A senior officer of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has been remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility following his arrest in connection with the disappearance of an M16 rifle. The officer, identified as Sergeant Ricardo Jerson Charlemagne, remains in custody as investigations into the high-profile case continue.
According to an official statement from the RSLPF, Charlemagne applied for bail before the First District Court on Tuesday, but his request was denied. The veteran officer was formally charged with theft on Monday, just over a week after the firearm went missing from the Gros Islet Police Station’s armoury on February 15. Authorities have not disclosed whether any additional suspects are under investigation.
Superintendent Luke Defreitas, head of the Central Division, addressed the public’s concerns on Tuesday, reaffirming the force’s commitment to upholding integrity and justice. He emphasized that while the incident is troubling, it does not reflect the values of the entire department. Defreitas urged citizens to maintain confidence in law enforcement, assuring them that the matter would be handled with transparency.
The case has raised serious questions about internal security protocols within the police force. Defreitas reiterated that misconduct and corruption will not be tolerated, and those found guilty of breaching public trust will face the full extent of the law. As the investigation progresses, the RSLPF has vowed to keep the public informed while ensuring that justice is served.