Former prison officer testifies as Almestica trial gets underway

Jose Almestica

A former prison officer took the witness stand as the trial of Jose Almestica and three co-defendants began in the High Court on Wednesday, with prosecutors alleging their involvement in a wide-ranging criminal enterprise involving drugs, firearms, counterfeit currency and harbouring a fugitive.

Almestica is facing several charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of explosives, possession of forged currency, possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, and possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct. He is also accused of escaping lawful custody following the 2017 passage of Hurricane Irma while being held as a remanded inmate in the Balsam Ghut prison.

Almestica was eventually recaptured in December 2021 during a police operation in West End. He was arrested along with Jennifer Smith, Renee Smith, and Shamal Smith, all of whom now face a series of serious criminal charges.

Jennifer Smith, who reportedly owns a bar in Sea Cows Bay, was found reversing into the driveway of the residence where Almestica was allegedly hiding. Police later arrested Renee and Shamal Smith, both employed by the BVI Health Services Authority, after uncovering evidence linking them to the property. Investigators allege that all three helped Almestica evade law enforcement while he was on the run.

Royston Percival, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, testified that Almestica had not been permitted to leave custody after Irma. According to Percival, during the passage of Irma, all prisoners were confined to their cells. He told the court that Almestica was one of three inmates unaccounted for following the hurricane.

Lead prosecutor Oris Sullivan told jurors that the case involved “not minor infractions but serious offences,” including the possession of rifles and pistols, the seizure of 490 kilograms of cocaine, 29 pounds of cannabis, over $500,000 in cash, counterfeit money and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition. Sullivan asserted, “They all knowingly engaged in money laundering, possession of illegal drugs, possession of illegal firearms.”

Prosecutors said the items were discovered inside 15 duffel bags recovered at a three-storey residence called The Reef, which had a pool and an attic. Police also found high-powered rifles, pistols, and a revolver under a dining table, all reportedly in working condition. Jennifer Smith, who was arrested on the scene, allegedly directed police to a key to the home. A receipt in her name was also discovered for the property’s $5,500 monthly rent.

Police said Almestica aggressively resisted arrest and tried to grab a bag containing a loaded Glock and a California driver’s license in the name of Anthony Thomas, an alias he allegedly used.

Almestica’s lawyer, Ruthilia Maximea, questioned Percival’s account of prison operations during the disaster. “Because of the condition, would you agree with me that some inmates were asked to leave the prison compound?” she asked. “I disagree,” Percival responded.

The trial is expected to last up to four weeks. Testimony continues Monday with cross-examination by Renee Smith’s lawyer, Valston Graham.