Man in court today for Leah’s kidnapping.
By Geisha Kowlessar and Akile Simon
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 3 Mar 2009

A cellphone belonging to eight-year-old kidnap victim Leah Lammy has led investigators to arrest a man described by police as a prime suspect in the girl’s abduction. Police sources said yesterday that shortly after Leah disappeared on February 10, the phone “went from hand to hand,” before being sold to a woman in Cunupia for $450. Based on information received, police were able to retrieve the phone and arrest the suspect.

A 31-year-old Cunupia man is expected to appear before a Chaguanas Magistrate today, charged with Leah’s kidnapping. She remained missing up to late yesterday. The man, a “PH” taxi driver, was also charged with larceny of a Nokia 6208 cell phone. Investigators said instructions were given yesterday by acting Director of Public Prosecutions Carla Browne-Antoine for the suspect to the charged.
Despite heavy interrogation by police, investigators said the suspect has refused to divulge any information regarding the whereabouts of the child.

According to investigators, the suspect, along with another man, were arrested at a Cunupia house last Thursday. The other man, however, has since been released, pending further investigations.
Two other men who were also arrested by police were also interrogated but released. Leah, a pupil of the Edinburgh Government Primary School, disappeared after leaving the school’s compound.

At a press conference at the Police Administration building in Port-of-Spain last Thursday, Philbert said four people had been arrested in connection with Leah’s disappearance. Philbert described the arrest of the four as a “dramatic turn,” saying police were working to solve the case. Acting ASP Johnny Abraham, acting Insp Stanley Ramdeen and PC Sunil Ramoutar of the Homicide Bureau based at Northern Division were directed by Philbert to probe the case.