Bail condition changed for flight attendant held with $11m worth of cocaine
ST JAMES, Jamaica — A female flight attendant, who was arrested after three pounds of cocaine was reportedly discovered in her luggage at the Sangster International Airport, had her bail conditions amended when she appeared in the St James Parish Court on Monday.
Michelle Virgo, a 44-year-old dual citizen of Jamaican and United States (US) addresses, is charged with possession of, dealing in, attempting to export, and conspiracy to export cocaine.
During Virgo’s last court appearance on June 16, she was given bail in the amount of $1 million with surety and ordered to report to the police three times per week. However, when she appeared in court on Monday, her attorney Martyn Thomas successfully petitioned presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley to reduce his client’s reporting times from three to two days per week.
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“She [Virgo] was wondering if her bail conditions could be varied to allow her to report two days a week, as she is reporting three days, but it is proving challenging as she now has prospective employment,” Thomas said.
In response, Smith-Ashley conceded to Thomas’ request. However, to maintain the integrity of the legal process, the judge emphasised the importance of adhering to the other bail conditions, including the stop order preventing her from leaving Jamaica.
Meanwhile, the court was updated on the progress of the prosecution’s case file, revealing that a corroborating officer’s statement had been obtained and included. Additionally, the forensic certificate is ready to be picked up for addition to the file. However, it was noted that an outstanding scene-of-crime CD has yet to be added to the file.
Virgo’s bail was extended until October 3, when the prosecution’s outstanding documents are expected to be ready.
According to the allegations, on June 6, Virgo was preparing to board a JetBlue flight bound for New York. During a routine security check, the cocaine, which is said to have a street value of US$75,000 (J$11.5 million) was reportedly found in a false compartment in her suitcase.
READ: Flight attendant held after cocaine valuing US$75k found in luggage
Under caution, Virgo allegedly said, “Cocaine? This is unbelievable.”
She was later charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act.