The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A HAITIAN woman who overstayed her time in The Bahamas and gave immigration officers a fake name when she was questioned was fined $1,500 yesterday.

Magalie Charles, 41, also known as Natasha Jean-Pierre, was charged with overstaying after she was found in the country past the expiration date given to her by immigration officials.

During the hearing, Charles was also charged with giving false answers.

She pleaded guilty to both counts during a hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

The court was told that officers arrested the accused on a property near Love Beach on November 26.

The prosecution said when the authorities asked Charles to show proof of her status, she was unable to do so. As a result, she was cautioned and taken to the Detention Centre for further processing.

In an interview with immigration officials the accused said her name was Natasha Jean-Pierre. However, when checks of the system were made, it was discovered that her real name was Magalie Charles.

The court was told Charles entered the country on a flight from Haiti on July 30, 2019 and was granted leave to land until November 27, 2019. The prosecution said no further extensions were granted to the accused.

Charles was subsequently fined $1,000 for overstaying and an additional $500 for giving law enforcement officers a false name. Magistrate Forbes said after the fine was paid or the sentence was finished, Charles would be handed over to the director of immigration for deportation back to Haiti.