Emile Elias claims innocence of sexual offence charges

SEXUAL ASSAULT accused Emile Elias “completely refutes” the two charges against him and looks forward to proving his innocence.

The 84-year-old was charged late Wednesday night with sexual grooming and sexual penetration of a minor.

According to the charges, Elias, owner of NH International, which has several contracts with the Government including the construction of the Carenage Police Station, is accused of meeting with the then 17-year-old girl between September 1 and November 30, 2019 with the intent of grooming her for penetration.

On November 21, 2019, it is alleged that Elias, of Fairways Maraval, penetrated the child.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at his office at Long Circular Road, St James. He was granted $100,000 bail at the West End Police Station on Wednesday night to cover both charges and will appear virtually before a Port of Spain Magistrate on March 24.

In a media statement on Thursday afternoon, Elias, through his publicist, Alfred Aguiton, said he “looks forward to establishing his innocence under the due process of law. Given the fact that the matter is now before the courts and therefore sub-judice, Mr. Elias is unable to make any further comments.”

Newsday called and messaged the Prime Minister, Housing Minister Penelope Beckles and Udecott chairman Noel Garcia but up to 6 pm received no response to questions posed. Elias, a former president of the Family Planning Association is a friend of Dr Rowley.