Emile Elias on sexual offences charges

CONTRACTOR Emile Elias has been charged with two sexual offences against a minor and will appear virtually before a Port of Spain magistrate on March 24.
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, is accused of meeting with the 17-year-old girl between September 1 and November 30, 2019 with the intent of grooming her for penetration.

Elias is also a past president of the Family Planning Association.

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.

Elias spent most of the day on Wednesday being interviewed by the Child Protection Unit.
After the alleged assault, the child told relatives, who informed the police, who began investigating.
Elias is being represented by Gilbert Peterson, SC, and John Heath.