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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Anguillan hotelier and businessman who was arrested and charged for possession of ‘dirty money’, among other offences was today, October 4, sentenced to a total of thirteen months in prison along with $56,000 in fines by Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin.
He was also ordered to forfeit the proceeds of criminal activities.
Kirk Hughes, the owner and operator of ‘La Vue Inn and Flavours Restaurant’ in Anguilla in his initial court appearance pleaded guilty the charges of possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct, failing to declare monies to customs, and remaining in the territory illegally.
On the charge of failing to declare the ‘dirty money,’ he was ordered to pay a $55,000 fine with an alternative of six months in prison.
The convict was also given a fine of $1000—with an alternative 30 days in jail—along with one month imprisonment for the offence of remaining in the territory illegally.
Meanwhile, he was sentenced to eight months in prison for the possession of $43,831—the proceeds of criminal activities. This money was also forfeited along with the vacuum sealer and money counting machine found in his possession.
The sentences will run concurrently, while the alternative to the fines will be served consecutively.
The Magistrate told him that she took into consideration all of the circumstances—including his guilty plea, saving the court’s time—in imposing the sentences, and a reduction of one of the sentences was granted.
His Attorney, Leroy Jones was dissatisfied with the penalty, telling the Magistrate that he was of the view that more leniency was warranted.
According to the details of the charges, Hughes was identified by persons who illegally entered the Territory as their facilitator. Upon his apprehension by police, and searches to several of his rented properties, the monies uncovered.
