Two New Orleans men will remain in custody until the start of their trial, Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

Thaddeus Ramsey, 29, and Merrill Boyd, 35, were remanded on April 1 when they were accused of spinning a “false narrative” to garner public support.

During their bail hearing, senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson denied their release, citing the “extremely concerning” amount of attention the case had already received.

She noted a letter from the duo that was sent to the Governor, which alleged that the men’s “civil and human rights” were being violated and called for an investigation into the case.

Ms Anderson also referenced a letter sent from a member of the Department of Immigration directly to the courts, which shared sympathy for the men’s situation and urged the courts to investigate the case.

She said that the letters expressed several inaccuracies around the case and feared that more interferences would happen if the men were freed.

The two men are due to appear in court on April 29 for their trial.

Mr Ramsey and Mr Boyd have been stuck in Bermuda since last April after Customs officers allegedly found a combined $28,982 of undeclared cash as they went through the LF Wade International Airport.

They have since denied a shared charge of conspiracy to remove criminal property, namely cash alleged to have been involved in a money laundering scheme.

Travellers must declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, but US Customs reportedly searched Mr Ramsey after getting suspicious, and discovered an undeclared $10,445 in cash.

Mr Ramsey earlier said that he was unaware of the rule.

Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Magistrates’ Court at an earlier hearing that Mr Boyd was allegedly found with $18,537 on his person, and claimed to police that he had won the cash from a fish sandwich-eating contest.

Jonathan White, for the defence, argued yesterday that his clients posed no threat to the course of justice.

He added that, while the pair were homeless, they had been offered affordable accommodation.

Ms Clarke argued in court that the men continuously requested additional pieces of disclosure at the last minute.

She also reminded Ms Anderson that they had a trial date set for January, but declined to take it and instead opted for a date in April.

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