A date has been set to hear the multi-fraud case of embattled former Education Minister Ruel Reid, president of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Professor Fritz Pinnock, and their three co-accused after the court denied the defense’s request to drop the charges in December. The judge handed down the ruling this morning.

The ruling which was handed down at the Kingston & St. Andrew parish court was another blow to the defense after they filed a motion to have the charges dropped.

They argued that the financial investigations division that carried out the probe and apprehended the suspects does not have the power to arrest citizens.

Five people- former Education Minister Ruel Reid – their charges, breaches of the corruption prevention act, conspiracy to defraud, misconduct in a public office at common law, and breaches of the proceeds of crime act.