Klansman Trial: Concerned Over Missing Phone Records

The primary investigator in the one Don Klansman Trial once again gave evidence on Monday, November 29, against the alleged gang-leader Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan and 32 of his co-accused in the home circuit court.  It was revealed that the police were having challenges in obtaining telephone records from the country’s two main telecommunication providers.

Records that are considered to be significant to the prosecution’s case.  The police witness told the court about an incident where armed men traveling in a vehicle were intercepted by the police, based on intelligence provided by the former gang member now turned informant.

The informant who was also in the vehicle allowed the police to listen in on a phone conversation he was having with other alleged gang members.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes questioned whether any records were available of the prolonged conversation. But the chief investigator disclosed that the police’s communication and forensic Cyber-Crimes Department, CFCD, had requested telephone records from the two main service providers, but to date, nothing has been presented. Chief Justice appeared puzzled, saying something was seriously wrong, for data information to be requested in the context of a criminal investigation but not provided. 

It was further revealed that the police are still awaiting records of call data for other phones that were submitted to the CFCD, seemingly an ongoing problem with the service providers.

Meanwhile, the detective recalled a joint police-military operation on June 25, 2019, where ten members of the gang were taken into custody. He identified five of the defendants in court, including the lone female Stephanie Christie.  He said she was arrested on Sunday, June 30, 2019, in St. Thomas while at a church.

The police witness recalled how Chrisite before being arrested, asked him to allow her to stay at the convention service where her husband was being ordained that day. But her request was denied and she was taken into police custody.

The detective is expected to continue giving evidence when the trial reconvenes on Tuesday at 10 am.