Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court on Thursday charged with sexual assault.

It is alleged that during the month of June 2016 at Yupukari, Central Rupununi he sexually assaulted a 19-year-old elected official of Region 9. Parker pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $200,000 bail. He will return to court on February 16 before the Chief Magistrate.

He was represented by Attorney Jerome Khan, who claimed that the accusations against his client are politically motivated, aimed at having him removed from office.

“The allegation came as a shock and surprise….The Lethem area is in total shock that Parker is being accused of something like this,” the lawyer told reporters outside of court.

According to the lawyer, the accusations stemmed after Parker refused to allow the complainant to grant contracts to her friends in the region.

“The damage is already done….they want to see him convicted,” the lawyer said.

It was reported in the media that over 1200 residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) had petitioned President David Granger, calling for the removal of Carl Parker who they accused of discriminatory practices and “unprofessional misconduct.”

The petition, dated April 11, 2016, was sent to President Granger on April 13, 2016, and copied to several Government Ministers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).