Crime

AG Walker Bars Charleswell From Lt. Governor’s Office Property Auctions

ST. THOMAS -- A former government employee who confessed and pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to defraud the government through a property auction has been barred from engaging in any future public auctions for several years. On Tuesday, Attorney General Claude Earl Walker settled a civil claim against Calford Charleswell, who admitted to his role in the conspiracy, which occurred during an Aug. 30, 2012 property bid conducted by the office of the lieutenant governor. As part of the settlement, Charleswell, 51, of Anna’s Retreat, has agreed “to refrain from personally participating or associating with any real estate, agent, broker or other person for purposes of participating in any property auction conducted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of the Tax Assessor for a period of five years…” AG Walker said his office took this action to prevent any recurrence of similar misconduct. “This is part of restoring public confidence in these property auctions conduct...