“The Ombudsboy accused of extortion” it’s a story that started out with a bang, but ended with a whimper today as Lionel Castillo was cleared of all charges. Police say they caught him in a sting in August of 2007 when they claim he accepted 1,500 dollars in marked bills to use his Ombuds-powers to assure the parole of inmate Kelvin Reneau.
The case started to fall apart in February of this year when the DPP’s office withdrew the charge of extortion, leaving the charge of trying to influence an officer of the Parole Board. Today in the Supreme Court DPP Cheryl Lynn Branker Taitt filed a nolle pros motion, withdrawing the case because her office has no further evidence to provide.
The problem seems to be chief witness and alleged extortion victim Kelvin Reneau who it appears was reluctant to testify against Castillo. Castillo told us that he is still not happy with the outcome and he would have been in a better position if the matter was dismissed or discharge or if he had gotten an acquittal.
The charge can be reinstated at any time if the DPP has evidence to proceed.
