1 remanded, 1 granted bail on embezzlement, B&E charges

Two Essequibo residents were virtually brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday in separate cases, one involving multiple counts of embezzlement, and the other relating to a break and larceny charge.
In the first matter, 32-year-old cashier Bonita Valenzuela was charged with three counts of embezzlement amounting to over $2.4 million. Valenzuela, who is employed at a Superbet outlet at the Supenaam Waterfront, Essequibo Coast, appeared virtually before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

It is alleged that on March 18, 2025, while serving as a clerk or servant to businessman Devin Warner, Valenzuela fraudulently embezzled three separate sums: $1,364,000; $700,000 and $385,000; money that she received on behalf of her employer.
Valenzuela’s attorney told the court that her client has no prior convictions and was reportedly in discussions with the virtual complainant toward settling the matter. The attorney also highlighted that Valenzuela is pregnant and had come to court voluntarily while on $200,000 station bail.
The prosecution did not object to bail, and Magistrate McGusty granted Valenzuela bail in the sum of $600,000. The matter was adjourned to August 22.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, 26-year-old Esau Jeffers of Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, was remanded to prison after being charged with breaking and entering and larceny. Jeffers, who appeared before Magistrate McGusty, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police allege that between July 22 and July 23, Jeffers broke into the stall of businesswoman Sattie Narine at Anna Regina and stole a quantity of confectioneries valued at $16,840; eight tights worth $9,600, and beverages valued at $20,060; amounting to a total loss of $46,500. The prosecutor informed the court that Jeffers had a previous conviction for a similar offence and requested that he be ordered to stay away from the virtual complainant, as the two are known to each other.
Given his criminal history, Magistrate McGusty denied bail and remanded him to prison until August 19.