On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Major Crimes Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force formally charged Veteran Sergeant of Police, Ricardo Jerson Charlemagne, for the offence of Stealing. The charges are in connection with the disappearance of an M16 rifle from the Gros Islet Police Station armoury, on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Police Superintendent, Luke Defreitas explains that the firearm is still out of police custody and assures that all is being done to return it: “As of today, this firearm remains unaccounted for and it is with deep concern that the RSLPF addresses its members and the public, regarding this serious breach of trust within our ranks. All possible leads are being explored to return the firearm to the custody of the police,”
Superintendent Defreitas says that the Force remains committed to meeting its mandate of ensuring that law and order prevail.
“I want to assure the public that we remain committed to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that justice is served. This incident does not define the hard-working, dedicated officers who put their lives on the line daily to keep you safe,” he said.
Sergeant Charlemagne was also named in a June 2, 2015 RSLPF press statement, in which he was named among two other officers reportedly arrested and charged.
The RSLPF statement, made to Facebook that day, reads: “The unwavering and unanimous position of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in matters where professional and organizational guidelines are compromised is clear and unambiguous. There is zero tolerance for this level of behavior. It is unacceptable and inexcusable, period. Yesterday three police officers were formally charged in relation to an investigation which commenced in 2013. They are as follows: Jerson Charlemagne, Police Sergeant 479, for the offence of stealing by employee. Sylvester Joseph, Police Corporal 224, for the offences of stealing by employee, failure/refusal to deliver money and false attestation. Ted Biscette, Police Constable 272, for the offence of stealing by employee.”
This arrest of a member of the Force for the disappearance of a firearm comes as citizens are on even higher alert due to the prevalence of gang-related gun crime.
