Police in The Bahamas allege that Eunece Morris defrauded multiple clients through her travel agency more than a decade ago, before fleeing the jurisdiction in 2011. She was reportedly living as a carefree fugitive in the Turks and Caicos Islands. But, just days ago, she was detained while transiting through the Cayman Islands and extradited back to The Bahamas to face longstanding criminal charges.
Yes, Eunece is my first cousin. But I’ve had no contact of any kind with her (or any of her four siblings) for more than 30 years. That estrangement might seem like a red flag, but it has no bearing on her current legal predicament.
In fact, I learned about her alleged crimes and reported flight from justice the same way most people did — through the grapevine. And until now, I have never commented publicly on any aspect of her situation.
Within hours of news of her arrest breaking, I began receiving messages from people I had not heard from in years, including media requests for comment. Given what they believed about my supposed closeness to Eunece and her family, I understand why.
Many assumed that I remained close to her eldest brother, Gilbert. That’s because we spent years studying in London and working in Washington at the same time. In particular, he was said to be practicing or teaching law in Washington while I was practicing here. In truth, I have no idea if he ever studied, practiced, or taught law anywhere.
Even so, it is unsurprising that his professional representations appear more relevant now than ever. Indeed, several people who contacted me yesterday asked whether Gilbert and I might join forces to defend her.
For the record, I am duly licensed to practice law in the United States, in the United Kingdom, in The Bahamas, where Eunice allegedly committed her crimes, and in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she reportedly lived as a fugitive.
That said, there’s a well-known legal warning that those who represent themselves in criminal cases have a fool for a client. In that same spirit, I believe a person who hires a first cousin to defend them has a hack for a lawyer. So no, I would not even consider representing Eunece.
Frankly, the only reason I am issuing this statement is that I am now fielding inquiries about her criminal arrest based solely on family ties, just as I was often obliged to do over the years about Gilbert’s professional work. And I get it.
Nonetheless, I didn’t have much to say then. I have even less to say now. But the karmic irony this situation represents is not lost on me.
I wish Eunece well. I hope she receives competent legal representation and the full protection of her constitutional rights as she answers the charges against her. My heart goes out not only to her immediate family, but also to those who claim they were harmed by her alleged crimes.
I also urge her siblings in the Turks and Caicos Islands to seek legal guidance. Because they may face difficult questions…
With that, please respect that I have nothing further to say on this matter.
Thank you.
Anthony L. Hall
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