Cop's absence stalls larceny case

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The case of a St James accountant who allegedly stole $1.7 million from her workplace was adjourned until October 28 after the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court was told that the investigating officer was on vacation.

Twenty-eight-year-old Latoya Heron, of a Rose Mount address in Montego Bay, is charged with larceny as a servant. She had her bail extended when her case was mentioned on Monday (July 22).

The allegations are that on May 19, Torre Allimore, Heron's employer at the restaurant where she worked, did a check of the establishment's bank reports and noticed several irregular entries on the account indicating transactions amounting to $1.7 million for the period March to May.

When Heron was questioned about the transactions, she claimed to have been unable to balance the account. A police report was made, and Heron was arrested and charged on May 30.

On Monday, Clerk of the Court Orrett Brown asked Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie for the case to be put off as the investigating officer would not be at court that day.

"I'm asking for an adjournment in this matter as the investigating officer will not be here. He has proceeded on 35 days' vacation leave," said Brown. "We require a mention date to have the file completed."

"Come back on October 28. Your bail is extended until then," Tie told Heron before allowing her to leave the courtroom.

• Man on phone-theft charges offered $60,000 bail

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James man, who reportedly stole a cellular phone at knifepoint, was offered bail in the sum of $60,000 when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Fifty-year-old Steve Lewis of a Church Street address in Montego Bay pleaded not guilty to robbery with aggravation allegedly committed against Maurice James. His case is set for mention on August 15.

It is alleged that on July 7, James was walking along Strand Street in Montego Bay when Lewis accosted him while brandishing a knife. Lewis then robbed James of a cellular phone and $200.

On Monday, Clerk of the Court Orrett Brown told Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie that the prosecution's case file for Lewis's matter was ready.

"The matter is ready for trial, your honour," said Brown.

"Is this the first time the police ever charged you for anything?" Tie asked Lewis.

"Yes, your honour," said Lewis.

"Are the police disputing that?" Tie directed the question to Brown.

"No, your honour," said Brown.

"Was the phone recovered?" the magistrate asked.

"Not according to my instructions," said Brown after perusing the file.

"I'm going to offer you bail in the sum of $60,000 with one or two sureties," Tie informed Lewis. "You will report at the Barnett Street Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. When you take up your bail, you'll come back to court on August 15."

- Christopher Thomas