A policeman who tipped off another officer, warning her that her home might be searched as part of a money-laundering investigation, has been cleared in Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo acquitted Emmerson Carrington, 50, of Devonshire, of disclosing prejudicial information to Pc Dionne Lansiquot, saying that it was “highly unlikely” that the information Mr Carrington disclosed would have prejudiced the investigation.

Mr Carrington, who joined the Bermuda Police Service in 2003 and was suspended pending the outcome of the case, had always denied the allegation.

During his trial, he admitted sending Ms Lansiquot a series of WhatsApp messages on November 29, 2013, warning her that her home might be searched after he heard rumours from other police officers of an investigation into another police officer’s alleged money laundering activities.

However, Mr Carrington maintained that he did not know the details of the investigation when he sent the messages and that he acted for his own selfish reasons because he did not want Ms Lansiquot to have anything to do with the other officer, whom he considered his “sexual rival”.

Ms Lansiquot testified that she was aware of an investigation from the officer in question but did not know the nature of it.

In yesterday’s judgment, Mr Tokunbo said Ms Lansiquot already knew of an investigation and that in the circumstances, she would not have held on to any evidence connected with an investigation into the officer.

He ruled that while it was clear that Mr Carrington suspected there was an investigation into the officer for money laundering and that he was aware that police were about to act in relation to that investigation, it was “highly unlikely” that what he disclosed would have prejudiced the investigation and found him not guilty of the single charge.

The Royal Gazette understands the matter is being considered for appeal.

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