Theo Heyliger (File photo)
PHILIPSBURG--The preliminary hearing in the “Catfish” investigation, in which former Member of Parliament (MP) Theodore Heyliger and co-suspect J.M.S. are the main suspects, will take place on October 24.
The judge handling the case heard from both the Prosecutor’s Office and the suspects’ lawyers in the Court of First Instance on Thursday. Heyliger was present for the proceedings.
The Catfish investigation started in March 2013 after former Member of Parliament Romain Laville filed an official complaint of attempted bribery to “jump ship” with the National Detectives. Heyliger and J.M.S. are both charged with having attempted to bribe Laville during the period of September 1, 2012, to July 25, 2013.
The suspicion is that both suspects made various promises to Laville with the intention that Laville would give up his seat in Parliament, thus withdrawing support from the then-Wescot-Williams II Cabinet. Sums of money ranging from US $135,000 or $250,000 to $350,000 were allegedly promised to Laville.
A parcel of land along with a ministerial post in the then new Cabinet to be formed were also promised, all of this if Laville “obliged by giving up his seat in Parliament,” according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
Laville did not show up at the hearing on Thursday. The trial will start at 9:00am on October 24.
