FORTY-year-old ex-special sergeant Emelio West was arrested by members of the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) on Thursday, after eluding the Police for several months. West fled the island last year after tendering his resignation, after which a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He returned to the island recently but was caught in an ACB sting operation.

West was charged for allegedly assisting an act of corruption committed in December of 2009. Allegations are that he accepted a bribe of undetermined value from a businesswoman in connection to a matter being investigated by one of his colleagues.

A report was made to the ACB and an investigation was carried out. The file was then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who ruled that West be charged.

West appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s court on Friday, and was granted bail in the sum of $500,000 with two sureties.

A stop order was placed on him at all ports of entry. The ex-Special Sergeant must also report to the Waterford Police Station daily. He returns to court on February 24, when the case will again be mentioned.