Ex-cop in court for allegedly accepting bribes

Apr 08, 2016 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

A 54-year-old former police officer and member of Office of Professional Responsible (OPR), was yesterday brought before the court for allegedly accepting bribes, when she appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Suzette Cornette, of Lot 3454 Coastal Plain, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is alleged to have corruptly obtained the sum of $262,000 and a Samsung Television valued at $320,000 between February 20 and 24, from Andrew Fung, “while she was an agent of the state to forbear to prosecute Fung for the offence of simple larceny”.
The money and the TV were allegedly handed over to Cornette at the OPR, Sheriff Street, Georgetown, and on two occasions at Camp Street, Georgetown.
Cornette, who was represented by Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to her by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
She was released on $100,000 bail.
Amsterdam made an application before the court for his client to be admitted to reasonable bail. He told the court that at the time of Cornette’s arrest she was a member of the OPR. The lawyer told the court that his client retired from the Guyana Police Force in 2012 after over 30 years of service. He said too that she is a former prosecutor.
According to Amsterdam, Cornette voluntarily attended court yesterday, and is prepared to continue doing so whenever the court orders. He added that throughout investigations, his client was never required to lodge any money with the police.
The lawyer informed the court that investigations were launched into the matters after allegations of unprofessionalism were made against some police ranks.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones was not opposed to pre-trial liberty for the defendant.
This matter has been adjourned until April 26, for reports.