In a recent statement Seventh District Political aspirant and community leader Kevon ‘Shack’ Lettsome has sought to give his take on a recent article published on social media announcing his arrest and charge.
While acknowledging his arrest and charge for allegedly uttering a forged document. Lettsome said, “Yesterday I appeared in Magistrates Court to address a complaint of uttering a forged document. I am now happily at home with my family and looking forward to continuing to meet with the amazing people of the community I call home.
Uttering a forged document is defined as, “A person who knowingly, with intent to deceive or defraud, utters any forged document, seal or die, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the same punishment as if he had himself forged the document, seal or die”.”
I will prove my innocence as “I have not knowingly uttered and forged any documents.”
He further said, “I know the temptation to try matters before the court of public opinion is sometimes easiest, but I trust that the gracious people of these islands will allow this case, if there is one, to be tried before the court where I will prove my innocence. Though this is an unfortunate experience to endure, the opportunity to clear my name is an advantage that I look forward to, as I have not knowingly uttered and forged any documents.”
In direct response to the article published Lettsome said, “Also, I respect the press’s right to report all matters before any court, but I find the angle taken by Guavaberry Media to be irresponsible and politically driven as they sought to link this unproven matter to the separation of FirstCaribbean International Bank and I, and to cast a shadow on my prospective standing for General Election.
There is no link in the two matters that resulted in the separation from where I used to work. Persons who have dealt with me personally or professionally on the job can speak to my great track record on delivering what the bank had to offer. An official copy of the correspondence from the bank explaining the reason for separation is available for release if necessary. I’m also happy for the opportunity and experience gained at that great banking institution.
The connection created in the freshman reporting is intended to deter me from representing the people of my community. I will not succumb to the malicious attempt.”
Lettsome is charged with Uttering A Forged Document and appeared at the Magistrate’s Court via Zoom. He was granted bail in the sum of $40,000 with one surety on the charge of Uttering A Forged Document.
The article Lettsome has responded to published on social media stated,
“Allegations read out in open Court early this afternoon, revealed that on May 27, 2022, a letter of reference was issued from Marvin Scott of Republic Bank of the Virgin Islands to First Bank on behalf of Mr. Lettsome for the purpose of opening an account at First Bank. However, upon receiving said reference, the Branch Manager of First Bank identified some discrepancies in the document and contacted Mr. Scott who confirmed that neither did he sign nor authorize the document. The matter was then reported to the Police.
At the time of writing this news story, the accused Kevon Lettsome was instructed by Magistrate Khadeen Palmer to head to Court to be held until bail conditions were met. It is not yet confirmed if that process has been completed. Valston Graham who appeared as Counsel for the accused advised the Court that his client had secured someone as surety for his bail.
Other reports reaching our newsroom today also indicate and allege that Mr. Lettsome was released from his job, another popular banking institution in March of 2022 under questionable circumstances.”