The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has returned the file with regard to accusations of paedophilia against popular cross-dresser, Otis ‘Otisha’ Pearson, to the Guyana Police Force advising that additional work be conducted.
The Police said the file was returned on Monday with the advice that additional investigative work be done. They have since released Pearson who was in custody since March 6.
Pearson was taken into Police custody on March 6 after the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) forwarded the findings of its investigation of paedophilia claims against the sex worker. The Police’s investigation is still ongoing and the file was sent to the DPP for legal advice.
However, on Friday last, the Police sought an extension to detain the sex worker for an additional 72 hours as they await legal advice and wrap up their investigation.
The CC&PA’s investigation stemmed after Pearson went on national television, after he was released from Police custody for another incident, and claimed that he has “a little boy” for every day of the week. Following that claim, photos of the cross dresser and a teenaged boy were leaked to social media site, Facebook, sparking outrage.
To pacify the situation, Pearson, in the presence of Joel Simpson – founder of the Society Against Sexual Orientation and Discrimination (SASOD) explained that the term “little boy” is usually thrown around in the transgender community and denied being involved in sexual relations with any underage boy. This view was supported by Simpson who said his organisation does not condone such relations and that he was aware of the “little boy” euphemism.
The surfacing of the photos and subsequent response led to several persons calling for an investigation into the incident and accused Pearson of being a pervert.
Back in February, the CC&PA closed its investigation into the alleged misconduct by Pearson. It was discovered that the boy was below the legal age of consent, which is 16 and became a victim of bullying after the photos were leaked.
According to CC&PA’s Director, Ann Green, the Agency has gathered statements from a number of persons, including the young man at the centre of the controversy, and as such, it is expected to move ahead with the case.
