Las Vegas Casino boss & security still detained in Mexico
Heading north, it was an anti-climatic moment for George Hardie Senior when he entered Mexico today hoping to return with his son and employee. Hardie, owner of the Las Vegas Casino, was expecting George Junior and Security Guard David Abner Gomez, to be released after spending almost a year and a half in a Mexican prison. The men were detained following a shooting at the Subteniente Lopez area when two Mexican nationals were behaving unruly at the Casino. But while Hardie Senior did speak to his son, he could not bring him home because the men are still being kept by immigration officials. Hardie Senior told News Five that he does not understand the delay.
George Hardie Sr., Owner/President, Las Vegas Hotel
“I went over to the court this morning at twelve noon and they were fully released from custody. They were taken to immigration and it’s just a question of when Mexican immigration will bring them over here. So far everybody has been cooperative and trying to help but there is a delay and I don’t know the reason for it.”
Delahnie Bain
“So they’ve told you nothing as to why it is taking so long?”
George Hardie Sr.
“Well there’s paperwork I guess and whatever amount of red tape. But they have been discharged from court system so they’re ready to come whenever immigration can get them over here.”
Delahnie Bain
“So you’ve spoken to them, how are they doing?”
George Hardie Sr.
“Well they’re okay, they’re just sort of impatient to come back home, so to speak and I also talked to the other two that were not released. They were on the appeal, but asked to be taken off because they thought they’d be transferred to Belize. I believe the Belize police report showed that they were just doing their job so they felt that the government would be active in trying to get them repatriated so to speak. But they were actually in tears today. They were glad for my son and David, but they were sad for themselves.”
Delahnie Bain
“So what’s next? You just wait?”
George Hardie Sr.
“Well, we wait. We have people over there trying to sort of prod them but there are a lot of people involved. I think in immigration there are three different bosses and the press is over there trying to make a story out of this and it just has to take its course I guess.”
Delahnie Bain
“And how are they dealing with knowing they’re free but are still being kept from home?”
George Hardie Sr.
“Well, it’s frustrating of course. They were so happy that this has finally come to an end. They believe and I believe that they never did anything wrong and yet they spent sixteen months in jail. So they wanna get back home and see their family and friends and they can’t wait actually. So let’s hope it’s soon.”
News Five contacted the Press Secretary at the Mexican Embassy, Marcelino Miranda, who said the men must await confirmation in writing from the judge in Chetumal, that there will be no further action against them before they are released.
