Recent acts of indecent assault against minors seen in a video and also via social media conversations and posts, have prompted swift action by the police which has led to the arrest of one man and the pursuit of another.
Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Belgrove Charles stated that the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) takes crime against women and children seriously and works in collaboration with the Welfare Department to ensure their protection.
He reported that consequently, a video displaying a “very disgusting” indecent act on a female minor, by someone appearing to be an adult male, which was seen circulating on social media led the CID to launch an investigation.
“A few days later, a Facebook post and conversation alleging indecent acts committed against another young female were also seen circulating on social media. Again, the CID began an investigation,” Charles stated.
While ASP Charles said he was not at liberty to delve into the specifics of the investigation given its nature, he revealed that one male was arrested and charged for offenses under the Sexual Offences Act against the young female in relation to the Facebook posting and allegations.
“That individual was taken to the Magistrate Court on Monday 20th March 2022, where the charges were read to him. He was subsequently remanded in custody, and is expected to return to the Magistrate Court on Tuesday 29 March 2022.”
With reference to the video of the minor engaged in a sexual act, Charles said the investigation is still active as the police continue to explore all avenues in attempts to ascertain who the offender is, which to date, has proved futile.
“Let me say, the video of the minor and the Facebook posting are not related. However, anyone with information which could assist with investigation relating to the video, should not hesitate to contact the police at telephone number 2665165/ 2665164/ 2665157 or the hotline at 911 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477.”
He continued, “on behalf of the Chief of Police and other gazetted officers, I’d like to thank the staff of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Welfare Division for their patience and devotion during the investigation. Let me urge the public to continue to have confidence in the police as we always stand ready to act.”
Janice Williams of the Swinging Janice Scholarship Foundation also recently wrote a letter addressed to members of the media, the police commissioner, the Welfare Division and the Prime Minister advocating that action be taken to address the social media posts and ongoing issue of sexual abuse. Full letter below:
I do not know why I support IBO,for once he is not posting from his mental institution.Very well said I am 109% in agreement.Swift justice should be hanging.
Janice Williams please highlight the cases of those politicians who have similar cases that are yet to be heard in the courts.
I wonder if the statement that the CDPF that crimes against women and children are taken seriously is to be believed, then what about [the alleged] Baby Sarah [incident] and the young woman who it was alleged was molested causing a senator from the south of the country to resign his seat? I’m glad that the police have moved with haste to apprehend someone in this recent incident and I hope that this speed of action continues in the future. But does it send a message that those who are politically connected seem to skirt the punishment of the law. I will only take the braggadocio statement from the police to mean something when they treat all citizens the same irrespective of status. I’m still waiting for the police to act on behalf of [the alleged] Baby Sarah and the underaged minor incident which caused the senator to resign from government. Otherwise the CDPF needs to reissue an amended statement to reflect the truth.
Well done police officers.Thank you Janice Williams.We should go after these criminals,Sons of Satan and hang them.After they are convicted a picture of them should be posted in all police stations in Dominica.
It’s good theguy was caught..but some of the police officers do the same crime on minors. Let’s pray for our children let us pray
Re-introduce the Cat-O-Nine these animals should not be allowed to get away scot- free and just to top-it-up throw away the keys. It is very sad what desperate times can cause desperate people to do.
Nothing should be more important or urgent than the protection of our most precious human resource, our children.
There are many vicious, heartless predators out there, some of them are even family members, who sexually abuse and exploit not only innocent girls but boys as well. This has to stop.
This most appalling issue, the sexual,physical abuse and shaming of our children, should galvanize the entire public into actin to bring a halt to it. Perpetrators of this horrible crime should receive swift, very lengthy and severe sentences with hard labour attatched.
We should all put aside our political and other differences and rally around our children to create better systems and safety nets that will protect every baby and juvenile in this country. Better MUST be done.