AG says stalemate settled with attorneys over legal fees for death squad cops

Livern Barrett,  Senior Gleaner Writer

Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte has reported that the stalemate that stalled three of the so-called police death squad cases has now been resolved.

Malahoo Forte made the announcement in the Home Circuit Court this morning where the cases against Corporal Kevin Adams and six other policemen were mentioned.

The cases had stalled because the government had refused to pay the policemen's attorneys who have reportedly submitted invoices for fees totalling  $107 million.

Last Wednesday, High Court judge Glen Brown urged the government to pay the attorneys and threatened to dismiss the cases if the stalemate was not resolved over the weekend.

Speaking in court today, Malahoo Forte said she and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck met with the attorneys last Friday.

"I have every reason to believe that the concerns no longer exist," the Attorney General said.

Adams was arrested and charged with three counts of murder by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) arising from separate incidents and has been in custody for four years.

His first trial is scheduled to commence on July 2.

Attorney-at-law Valerie Neita-Robertson represents Adams.

READ: Court rules INDECOM has no power to arrest, prosecute cops

She told the court that she intends to make a bail application for her client  in light of the recent Court of Appeal ruling that INDECOM does not have the power to arrest, charge and prosecute police personnel.

READ IN FULL: Judgment INDECOM vs Police Federation

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