PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Justice reminds the public, if caught assisting the escaped prisoner Kathron Fortune, they could face four years for aiding and abetting the escapee. As for the prisoner an additional nine years will be added to his remaining sentence if caught.

 

Authorities on both sides of the island are working in close collaboration in efforts to recapture the escaped prisoner and get him off the street. The convicted fugitive escaped from prison guards grasps during a visit to a doctor’s office in Cay Hill on February 15. Searches have intensified by authorities, however, the prisoner seems to be a step ahead from investigators who thus far had several house searches but missed him by minutes.

 

One shocking report received by this newspaper has to do with the 14-year-old pregnant daughter of the escapee who resides in French Quarter. The prisoner found his way to French Quarter last week Friday and assaulted his daughter. Fortune was said to be in a deep state of rage after learning about his daughter’s pregnancy at such a young age.

 

Family members including the daughter did not go to the Gendarmes to file an official complaint.

 

Reports suggest that the prisoner also made inquiries about the boyfriend of his daughter. However, this could not be confirmed by officials.

 

Speaking at the Council of Ministers press briefing Wednesday, Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo said two investigations are presently ongoing. One by the National Detective agency about how the prisoner seemed to have escaped from two guards while the other focuses on the recapturing of the escapee.

 

The minister admitted that the prison is understaffed and hopes to put a plan in place to recruit more prison guards.

 

Kathron “Cuchi” Fortune was serving a 21-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Ervin Margarita (23) on Rice Hill in Oyster Pond on May 11, 2006. Margarita was shot in his head and body. Kathron was incarcerated in 2007.

 

The Prosecutor’s Office and Police Force are requesting that members of the public who may have information regarding the escapee’s whereabouts to contact the police immediately via 911, 9300 or the police station 542-2222. They caution not to attempt to apprehend this escapee, as he is armed.