By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for multiple violent crimes, including a 2018 murder and a series of alleged rapes in the Carmichael area in 2023, was again denied bail.
Seantino Rolle, 30, was denied bail by Justice Darron Ellis.
Rolle had applied for bail on three counts of rape, abetment to rape, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, three counts of armed robbery, three counts of threats of death, two counts of assault and two counts of forcible taking or detention with intent to have unlawful sexual intercourse.
Rolle allegedly aided and abetted in the rape of a 41-year-old man at gunpoint in New Providence on May 2, 2023. During the same incident, the suspects allegedly robbed the victim of his cellphone.
Between May 4 and 5, 2023, at Well Fields, Rolle is accused of holding a 31-year-old woman hostage at gunpoint and having sexual intercourse with her against her will twice.
It is further alleged that he stole the victim’s 2012 Honda Stepwagon, two phones and bank cards, altogether valued at $9,205.
Around 10am on May 13, 2023, on Bacardi Road, Rolle is accused of abducting a 38-year-old woman at gunpoint in a small grey vehicle.
He allegedly took her to nearby bushes, where he had sexual intercourse with her against her will. The victim was also allegedly robbed of $4,045 in cash and her cellphone.
On May 16, 2023, Rolle was arrested after he and three others were allegedly found with a black Smith & Wesson .40-calibre pistol, serial number JCL9371, and seven unfired rounds of ammunition.
Rolle’s co-accused in the firearm matter were arraigned on May 19, 2023.
At the time of the alleged offences, Rolle was already on bail for the alleged murder of David Nelson during the armed robbery of Gulf Stream Foods on Fire Trail Road on February 22, 2018.
Rolle said he had been in custody since May 22, 2023.
He maintained his innocence and said he would comply with any conditions imposed if granted bail.
Rolle also said he had gainful employment and stable living arrangements lined up if released.
He asked for bail so he could prepare for his trial, which has a scheduled commencement date.
Rolle said he worked as a fisherman before being remanded.
The prosecution strongly objected to bail, emphasising that Rolle was already on bail for murder at the time of the alleged rapes.
Prosecutors maintained that the evidence against him was strong and cited the risk to public safety and order if he were released.
The prosecution further alleged that Rolle shot and killed Nelson during the armed robbery as he fled the scene with stolen crawfish.
The court considered the grave nature of Rolle’s alleged offences and found that he posed a substantial risk of reoffending if released.
Justice Ellis denied bail on the basis of Rolle’s antecedents, including a firearm conviction, the strength of the evidence against him and the significant risk to public safety, which the judge found could not be adequately addressed by bail conditions.
Dion Smith represented Rolle, while Myesha Saunders and Max Julien appeared for the prosecution.
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