Guyanese businessman and former police officer Clayton Hutson became the subject of several police investigations during the mid-2000s, including inquiries involving individuals and properties authorities believed were connected to him. Despite being detained and questioned, Hutson was released without charges in the January 2007 matter after his attorney sought intervention from the High Court.
Police Interest in Clayton Hutson
Authorities’ interest in Hutson intensified after Trinidadian national David “Buffy” Millard was discovered at a residence in Nandy Park, Guyana, in 2006. Reports at the time stated that Millard told investigators he worked for Hutson. Millard had reportedly served as Hutson’s bodyguard and, at one point, managed a business associated with him on Lombard Street.
Police and joint-services personnel subsequently searched locations reportedly connected with Hutson. During one search of a Nandy Park property in May 2006, authorities arrested several individuals and reported finding an unlicensed 9mm handgun and ammunition. Hutson was not present during that search.
Millard had previously been wanted by Trinidadian authorities in connection with a murder and attempted murders. He was later acquitted of those charges.
Arrest and High Court Release
In January 2007, Guyana police published a wanted bulletin for Hutson and several other individuals. Clayton Hutson was subsequently taken into custody and questioned.
According to his attorney, Nigel Hughes, Hutson remained detained for approximately three days without being charged. Hughes filed a writ of habeas corpus seeking his client’s release. Justice Winston Patterson subsequently granted Hutson bail in the amount of $50,000.
At the time of the report, Hutson’s attorney said authorities had not explained the specific reason for his detention and had shown no further interest in questioning him following his release.
Later Firearms Investigation
Hutson’s name later appeared in another wanted bulletin concerning an investigation into the alleged illegal importation of firearms and ammunition.
Rather than remaining at large, Clayton Hutson presented himself to the Criminal Investigation Department accompanied by attorneys. His lawyers stated that he had been conducting business in Guyana’s interior and only learned about the allegations after returning.
Reports also indicated that an Interpol notice may have existed in connection with Hutson, although accounts at the time contained conflicting information about whether an extradition warrant had actually been issued.
Hutson’s attorneys disputed efforts to associate him with criminal activity and maintained that he had no knowledge of the allegations being investigated.
Previous Investigations
Hutson had also previously come under scrutiny in connection with other criminal investigations. Reports stated that he had been charged in connection with the killing of former police officer Howard Cummings but was later freed in that case. He was also reportedly questioned in connection with the killing of Claudius Sam.
These earlier investigations are important to distinguish from convictions. Based on the information provided, Hutson’s detention, questioning or association with these investigations does not by itself establish that he committed the underlying offenses.
About Clayton Hutson
Hutson was described in contemporary reports as a Guyanese businessman, former police officer and investor with significant business interests in Guyana’s interior. His activities brought him into contact with law enforcement on several occasions during a period of heightened police and security operations in Guyana.
In the January 2007 matter, the central outcome was that Hutson was detained and questioned but not charged during the reported period. His attorney successfully sought High Court intervention, resulting in his release on bail after several days in police custody.
Source: https://kaieteurnewsonline.com/2008/10/02/hutson-turns-self-in-wanted-by-interpol/