Edward Saldano Chooses Trial Over Guilty Plea in Contempt Case

Well-known criminal figure Edward Saldano has opted to stand trial on a charge of contempt of a judicial order after rejecting a sentencing indication that would have sent him to prison for three months.  Saldano appeared on Friday before a Senior Magistrate where he initially indicated that he was considering pleading guilty and requested a sentencing indication. He asked the court whether the offence carried the option of a fine. However, the magistrate informed him that under the law, contempt of a judicial order attracts a mandatory prison sentence of three months, with no option of a fine.  Upon hearing the penalty, Saldano, who was unrepresented, immediately changed course and entered a not guilty plea, choosing instead to take his chances at trial. His matter has now been set for April 9.  The contempt charge is separate from a more recent robbery case in which Saldano and four other men stand accused. On Wednesday, January 14, Saldano was the only one denied bail in that robbery matter after the prosecution objected, citing a pending robbery charge and the likelihood that he would reoffend if released. The other three defendants were granted bail of $10,000 with two sureties of $5,000 each, under strict conditions. Saldano remains behind bars, a situation he was hoping to avoid, particularly due to gunshot injuries he sustained in early 2025 during an incident at the Michael Finnegan Market, where police allege he was found in possession of a firearm.  In the pending robbery case, five men were first arraigned on October 9, jointly accused of robbing 23-year-old Aaron Whyte at gunpoint and stealing his $500 cellphone. One accused had initially pleaded guilty, but that plea was later rejected, resulting in all five being remanded. Saldano has consistently maintained his innocence in that matter.  For now, Saldano remains on remand as he awaits trial on the contempt charge in April.