Yesterday, we told you that a Coast Guardsman was detained pending charges of arson after a 38 foot Boston Whaler burst into flames at the Coast Guard base on Saturday night.
Well, tonight, we can confirm that 30-year-old Emmanuel Fitzroy McFadzean, a Coast Guard officer of 12 years, is currently out on bail after he was charged with three counts of arson. The first count is for the damage caused to a 38 foot boat and two 200 Yamaha brand outboard engines. The second count is for a 38 foot Columbian boat damaged by the fire. This second boat was in the care of the Coast Guard. The final count is for the Boston Whaler and three 250 Mercury brand outboard engines. The total value in damages amounted to over $735,000.
McFadzean appeared before a senior magistrate today represented by attorney Richard "Dickie" Bradley, assisted by another attorney, Leeroy Banner.
The Senior Magistrate explained to McFadzean that the charge of arson is an indictable offense and would be tried at the Supreme Court, where his plea would be taken. There was no objection to bail, so it was granted in the sum of $10,000 plus two sureties of $5,000 each. The bail came with several stringent conditions, including that McFadzean must report to the Ladyville police station every Friday between 6am and 6pm.
According to the police, McFadzean was allegedly stealing gas from the Boston Whaler when it caught on fire. He will also be facing internal charges. Credible reports to our newsroom suggest that there has been an active gas theft ring at the Coast Guard for some years now.
