Financial Investigator of Inspector rank replaced by police corporal in St. Kitts-Nevis' White Collar Crime Unit

Outrage over the transfer of Inspector James Sutton, a veteran white-collar crime investigator with nearly 30 years in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and his replacement by Jerry Watt, a corporal with about 12 years in the law enforcement body.

Inspector Sutton was said to be leading investigations into separate money laundering allegations involving two top government officials in the Timothy Harris Team Unity Administration.

Sutton's linked-in profile lists him as Inspector, Law Enforcement Agency/Government; CAMS and Financial Investigator, The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. July 1989 – Present; 29 years 7 months.

"Inspector James Sutton from the White Collar Crime Unit to Division "B" Sub Commander and Supervisor Criminal Investigations Department – Division B" and "No. 710 Corporal Jerry Watt from the Criminal Investigations Department to the White Collar Crime Unit," with effect from January 31st 2019 indicated the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (Special Force) Order issued by Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilroy Brandy on January 25, 2019.

"As a financial investigator, Sutton is a money laundering specialist. He is the one who would investigate money laundering transactions in the world if it touches St. Kitts and Nevis. His office will receive copies of all transactions in and out of St. Kitts and Nevis," said a source knowledgeable of the workings of the White Collar Crime Unit.

"It's a shame when politicians use the Gazetted Officers in the Police Department as pawns. Inspector James Sutton was doing his job and now he is transferred for doing so. These men are professionals and not puppets. No wonder morale in the Police Force is at its lowest point ever. No one should be above the law," said former police officer, Thadeus Depusoir.

"This (the transfer) is tantamount to the obstruction of justice and the continued political control of important areas of the police force. This action smacks of political interference; the scent which leads right up to the Office of the Prime Minister based on his track record since taking office," said a senior police officer who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation.

"How sad! I guess some people are above the law. Police Force and legal system under political control. How can there be any justice?" posted Adina Richards.

Armel Tweed: "Some people are above the law under this wicket (Team Unity) government, but God will deal with them in his own time."

"I will say that this is very insulting by replacing a senior inspector whom I felt should of being in the rank of at least Superintendent, with a corporal," said an ex-police officer.

The Special Order lists 34 new postings and 23 transfers in the law enforcement body.