Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office Announces Charges Against Crown Counsel Shantrice Dorset

The Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office (DPPO) announces, with profound regret, that charges have been brought against one of its Crown Counsel Prosecutors, Ms. Shantrice Dorset, by the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

Charges Against Ms. Dorset

The charges stem from the tragic murder of Mr. Akeem Archibald, a young man who was fatally shot with a high-powered automatic rifle on July 20, 2024. In the aftermath of this incident, the prime suspect, Mr. Khyron Philip, also known as “Tall Up” (hereinafter referred to as “the fugitive”), fled the Federation by sea and remains at large.

Some time ago, upon receiving intelligence and being briefed on the matter, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) commissioned a special criminal investigation into Crown Counsel Ms. Shantrice Dorset. Following an extensive police investigation into the murder and efforts to apprehend the fugitive, Ms. Shantrice Dorset has been formally charged with the following offences:

Accessory After the Fact to Murder
Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice: Assisting the fugitive in fleeing the Federation to shield him from a murder investigation.
Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice: Assisting the fugitive in fleeing the Federation to shield him from an unlawful possession of firearms investigation.
Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice: Assisting the fugitive in fleeing the Federation to shield him from a trial for the attempted murder of a person in an unrelated matter.
Misconduct in Public Office: advising and counselling the fugitive based on her knowledge as a prosecutor to assist him in evading the police.
Corruption: trying to use her influence as a prosecutor to get the firearm used in the murder surrendered under an amnesty program.

Related Charges Against Other Individuals

It is also noteworthy that charges relating to the possession of the high-powered automatic rifle believed to have been used in this crime have been previously laid against the fugitive’s close relative, Mr. Bejay Tuckett, who is currently awaiting trial on remand.

DPPO’s Commitment to Justice

The DPP emphasizes that, in accordance with the principles of justice, Ms. Dorset is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It remains the DPPO’s duty to uphold the integrity of the judicial process and ensure that Ms. Dorset is afforded her constitutional right to a fair trial. The DPPO also urges the general public to Act with maturity and refrain from speculating about this case based on rumors or publishing inaccurate information that could prejudice the fair trial of these charges.

FAQs

What are the charges against Ms. Shantrice Dorset?

Accessory After the Fact to Murder
Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice
Misconduct in Public Office
Corruption

What is the current status of the case?

The case is ongoing, and Ms. Dorset is on remand at His Majesty’s Prison.

How can the public support the investigation and the judicial process?

By refraining from speculating about the case based on rumors or publishing inaccurate information.

Conclusion

The DPPO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice, irrespective of the parties involved. The DPPO expresses its profound gratitude to the officers of the Violent Crime Unit, White Collar Crime Unit, Special Services Unit, and Cyber Crime Unit who worked “around the clock” and continue to work arduously in this matter. Further updates will be provided to the public as this case progresses.