In the midst of the legal spotlight shining on several politicians, the trial of former Minister of State for Immigration, Elma Campbell, and her son, Che Chase, for an alleged $1.2 million fraud has ignited speculation regarding the consistency of the justice system.
While figures like Long Island MP Adrian Gibson face swift trials and Former Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Lanisha Rolle's case moves forward, the trial of Campbell and Chase has raised eyebrows due to its delayed proceedings.
Campbell and her son are accused of defrauding the Ministry of Tourism, with prosecutors outlining a complex web of financial transactions involving forged checks and money laundering.
Scheduled to take place from April 4 through 7, 2021 before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, the trial highlights the alleged misappropriation of funds, including the transfer of substantial amounts to co-defendant Damalus Curry's company, Bahamas Outdoor Media, and Chase's then-girlfriend, Leah Davis.
The prosecution contends that the mother and son duo orchestrated the laundering of funds through intricate transfers between their accounts, as well as transactions with other entities, including the purchase of bank drafts.
One notable transaction involves the acquisition of three drafts on September 10, 2019: $27,000 to Adrianna Fox, $4,500 to Pinder, Reckley & Co., and $15,000 to the Public Treasury.
As the trial faces one delay after another, questions linger about the seeming discrepancy in the treatment of cases involving political figures.
Critics argue that the haste in trying other politicians juxtaposed with the extended timeline for Campbell's trial raises concerns about the legal system.
The public now watches closely to see whether the former Minister and her son will ever face the courts.