Two Officers Charged With Extortion Over American Visitor’s Arrest

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prosecutors have charged two police officers with extortion – allegations stemming from the June 14 arrest of an American tourist for marijuana possession.

Erick Mondelo was kicked off the Wonder of The Seas and turned over to Bahamian police after he was allegedly found with marijuana.

Constable 4665 Breanna Miller and Constable 4779 Turner, who were assigned to the tourism police station, are accused of demanding and receiving $600 from Erick Mondelo to avoid prosecution.

Mondelo reported the matter to the police and allegedly gave investigators a recording of the shakedown.

The officers denied the charge at their arraignment before magistrate Abigail Farrington, and they were each granted $5,000 bail.

Their trial is set to begin on September 16.

The officers have been suspended from duty and placed on half-pay pending the conclusion of their trial.