Justin Williams Responds To Police Statement
The police had “ample opportunity to speak with me” yet “they chose to wait until after I had left Bermuda” and “I have offered through my attorneys to speak with the BPS via any one of many communications options about these matters, but they have not replied to any of these offers.”
This is from well known local lawyer Justin Williams, who was speaking after a police statement was issued a few days ago, with Mr Williams stating he ‘categorically denies any wrongdoing whatsoever.’
Police Statement
The police released a statement on December 31, 2019, which did not specifically refer to Mr Williams by name, but is widely understood to be in reference to him.
The statement said, “Following a search of a property by the Bermuda Police Service [BPS], on Saturday 9th November 2019, in the Fairylands area, police are seeking the return to Bermuda of the owner, who is currently in the United States, for interview in regards to an ongoing criminal investigation.
“Two warrants, one under the Firearms Act and another under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, otherwise known as PACE, in relation to ongoing investigations which the BPS is conducting.
“We are investigating several matters including firearms, corruption and crime related matters. If there is anyone in the neighbourhood who is aware of anything they would like to speak to us about, they can speak to our Vulnerable Persons Unit in confidence”.
Justin Williams Comments
Mr. Williams said, “It is unfortunate that the Bermuda Police Service has chosen to sensationalize this issue in the way that they have.
“The BPS had ample opportunity to speak with me about any concerns they may have had, yet they chose to wait until after I had left Bermuda to seek medical treatment and professional development before attending my residence with a warrant in my absence. Had they presented themselves prior to my departure I would have invited them in, and the warrant would have been unnecessary.
“Furthermore, I have offered through my attorneys to speak with the BPS via any one of many communications options about these matters, but they have not replied to any of these offers. In fact, I am yet to be provided with any details as to what allegations, if any, are being made against me, except that which has been reported to the public media.
“I can say that any firearms present in my residence would be lawful under the Firearms Act or properly registered under the same legislation. As for any allegations of corruption or matters involving vulnerable persons, I categorically deny any wrongdoing whatsoever.
“I am not avoiding in any way dealing with this matter and the BPS is aware of where I am and why I am here,” he added.
“They are also aware that they have given me almost no detail as to what it is that they seek from me, and in those circumstances I cannot justify squandering the significant resources expended to seek the treatment and development I had committed to overseas by abruptly returning to deal with unspecified matters raised by the BPS in what appears to be an absurd witch hunt.”
