In a significant judicial ruling at the end of an extended trial process, the former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick was convicted and given a prison term of 4 years and 26 days for his involvement in a serious governmental corruption scandal.
This determination by the Court (delivered on Friday) came after Misick’s guilty plea to three counts of bribery back in February.
Two other main participants in this case also had their sentences determined in the same matter; McAllister Hanchell, who is now retired from his position as a cabinet member, was awarded a prison sentence of three years while Thomas Misick, who is both an attorney and the brother of Michael Misick, received a prison sentence of four years.
It is anticipated that all three defendants will challenge the findings of the Court.
Michael Misick’s fall from power began approximately ten years prior. It was under pressure from allegations of gross abuse of power in the form of corruption throughout the Territory’s Government that he resigned as Premier in 2009.
As a result of the gravity of these allegations the UK, which provides oversight over the Territory, suspended the Constitution of Turks and Caicos and assumed direct administration over the Government of Turks and Caicos.
Following his resignation, Michael Misick departed Turks and Caicos. He was subsequently detained in Brazil in December 2012, when his request for asylum was rejected.
Prosecutors have alleged that Michael Misick engaged in wide-ranging unlawful activity during his time as Premier, including misusing monies belonging to the people and receiving illegal profit from sales of land owned by the government to private developers.
During this lengthy litigation process Michael Misick has continuously contended that all charges levied against him were politically motivated.