Bail extended for former Portmore bank employee accused of stealing $1.4 million

A former customer care officer at a St Catherine-based financial institution, accused of 49 counts of fraud amounting to $1.4 million, had her bail extended in the parish court on Friday.

The accused, 41-year-old Winsome Smith of Portmore, St Catherine, is answering to charges of unauthorised access to computer data and simple larceny.

When the case came up for mention, Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle questioned why the accused was granted station bail given that many counts against her.

Smith’s bail was subsequently extended until July 25, 2025.

Allegations are that on May 9, 2025, the complainant went to the financial institution to conduct a transaction, but his card was declined.

He lodged a complaint and was assisted by the accused, who issued him a new card, allowing him to complete his transaction.

Two weeks later, the account holder returned to the institution, and once again, the card was declined. The accused again issued him a new card.

A relative of the complainant later verified the account and discovered that $1.4 million was missing.

A formal report was made to the institution, and the police were called in.

An investigation was launched, which led to Smith’s arrest and subsequent charge.

-Rasbert Turner

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