Lawyer Justin Williams has “categorically” denied any wrongdoing in what he described as “an absurd witch-hunt” by the Bermuda Police Service (BPS).
Responding to the report that police were seeking his return to the island from the United States to be interviewed in an ongoing investigation, he said he has “offered” to speak with the BPS “through my attorneys”.
“But they have not replied to any of these offers,” he said.
He further denied possessing any illegal firearms and “any allegations of corruption or matters involving vulnerable persons”.
This after the raid on his Fairylands home on November 9.
Mr Williams also stated that he had been living in the US to seek medical treatment and professional development and that the police know where he is.
Earlier this week a police spokesman said: “If there is anyone in the neighbourhood who is aware of anything they would like to speak to us about, they can speak to our Vulnerable Persons Unit in confidence.”
In response, Mr Williams said” “I am not avoiding in any way dealing with this matter and the BPS is aware of where I am and why I am here.
“They are also aware that they have given me almost no detail as to what it is they seek from me and, in those circumstances, I cannot justify squandering the significant resources expended to seek the treatment and development I had committed to overseas by abruptly returning to deal with unspecified matters raised by the BPS in what appears to be an absurd witch-hunt.”
Police seized several items from the lawyer’s residents on November 9 under a warrant executed under the Firearms Act and another under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
The search also included a boat connected to the property.
On that note, Mr Williams said: “It is unfortunate that the BPS has chosen to sensationalise this issue in the way that they have.
“The BPS had ample opportunity to speak with me about any concerns they may have had, yet they chose to wait until after I had left Bermuda to seek medical treatment and professional development before attending my residence with a warrant in my absence.
“Had they presented themselves prior to my departure I would have invited them in, and the warrant would have been unnecessary.”
The founder of Williams Barristers & Attorneys, Mr Williams is a former president of the Bermuda Bar Council and has served as an acting magistrate.
After what he says was “ample” time to speak with him, ultimately he said the police “chose to wait until after I had left Bermuda”.
“In fact, I am yet to be provided with any details as to what allegations, if any, are being made against me, except that which has been reported to the public media,” he said.
““I can say that any firearms present in my residence would be lawful under the Firearms Act or properly registered under the same legislation. As for any allegations of corruption or matters involving vulnerable persons, I categorically deny any wrongdoing whatsoever.
“I am not avoiding in any way dealing with this matter and the BPS is aware of where I am and why I am here,” he added.
“They are also aware that they have given me almost no detail as to what it is that they seek from me, and in those circumstances I cannot justify squandering the significant resources expended to seek the treatment and development
“I had committed to overseas by abruptly returning to deal with unspecified matters raised by the BPS in what appears to be an absurd witch hunt.”
