Third man charged in Chotoo kidnapping

A Point Fortin man appeared before Port-of-Spain Magistrate Ejenny Espinet yesterday charged with the kidnapping of 29-year-old construction worker Darryl Chotoo.

Lester Solomon, 22, labourer, was charged for the June 30 kidnapping by PC Snaggs following consultation with Director of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson. Chotoo, father of one, was reportedly taken from his El Socorro home by armed men who forced their way into the house and threw the man into a waiting car. Solomon is the third to be charged in the matter as Kasib Celestine, 21, labourer, of Pelican Road Extension Morvant and Nicholas Smith, 18, unemployed, of Malick, Barataria, were charged last month. Celestine was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

Solomon, who was unrepresented, was remanded in custody pending tracing of his criminal record. The matter was adjourned to today. Solomon was originally arrested on an outstanding warrant for the robbery of a gold Cuban ring, gold ID band, $300 in cash and a Honda motorcar together valued approximately $57,000. In addition he was charged together with another man for robbing San Juan resident Afizar Kaizar of $10,000 in cash at Backchain street, San Juan on July 5, 2003. He was charged for this offence by PC James of the San Juan Police Station. He is expected to appear before a Point Fortin magistrate on July 15, on the charges stemming from the robbery.