NASSAU-An American boat captain accused of opening fire on enforcement officers in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco earlier this year didn’t return for his trial yesterday.
John Tellam’s lawyer Jomo Campbell said the Florida resident couldn’t travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
As a result, Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes set a new trial date of January 25. Current coronavirus protocols would have required an adjournment since new criminal trials are suspended.
A Supreme Court judge freed Tellam, 60, was on $10,000 cash bail within hours of his arraignment before the magistrate.
Tellam is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, three counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply and two counts of ammunition possession.
Prosecutors say Tellam opened fire on Corporal 2999 Glen Dean and Marine Seaman Keiton Bowleg after a dispute over customs duty at the dock on May 22.
They returned fire and arrested Tellam.
When they searched his vessel, officers allegedly found 10 live rounds for a 410 shotgun, 20 rounds for a .223 weapon, and 138 shells for a 12 gauge shotgun.
