Bribery added to list of charges against gun-accused cop

Another gun and more ammunition were seized in subsequent raids. In total, 19 firearms and 10,600 rounds of ammunition were taken by lawmen. (File photo)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 10, 2010 – Already facing charges for his alleged involvement in a gun theft and sale racket, a police sergeant in Jamaica is in deeper trouble, now accused of trying to coerce his colleagues into letting him go free when the illegal items were found in a house he was in.

The owner of the premises, who police allege offered lawmen money to secure his own release, has also been charged.

Sergeant Russell Robinson and businessman Garnett Pennington appeared in court yesterday on charges of bribery and breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded until March 29th, but will return to the Gun Court today on previous gun-related charges.

The two were among four persons held in a February 4th bust in which 18 guns, including M-16 rifles, shotguns, Uzi sub-machine guns, pistols and revolvers; as well as 9,700 rounds of assorted ammunition; and several police vests were found.

Another gun and more ammunition were seized in subsequent raids. In total, 19 firearms and 10,600 rounds of ammunition were taken by lawmen.

Investigations later revealed that the firearms and ammo recovered in the various operations were actually stolen from the Police Armoury and Stores where the sergeant worked, and were earmarked for sale.

Sergeant Robinson and Pennington, along with two civilian workers at the armoury, were charged with multiple counts of gun and ammunition possession. Additionally, the officer is accused of storehouse break-in and larceny, while the other three face charges of aiding and abetting that crime.

Following the bust and arrests, acting Police Commissioner Owen Ellington ordered the armoury closed pending an audit. That process is continuing.