Man charged after multiple fraud incidents at police station, Housing Ministry

A 33-year-old Georgetown man, has been remanded to prison on three separate fraud charges amid accusations of repeat offences. Kitt, who resides at Lot 99 Subryanville, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
However, bail was denied for Quincy Kitt, after both the prosecution and Magistrate citing concerns over his alleged fraudulent behaviour.
The court heard that Kitt is accused of carrying out a series of deceptive schemes targeting individuals seeking assistance. The prosecutor presented details of three separate incidents where Kitt allegedly obtained money from victims under false pretence. The prosecution argued that Kitt’s actions were serious, premeditated, and part of an ongoing trend, warranting his continued detention.

The first charge against Kitt involved an alleged incident at the Providence Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) in May. According to reports, Kitt approached a woman whose husband was in police custody. He reportedly claimed he could secure the husband’s release on bail if she paid him a sum of money. Believing Kitt’s promises, the woman handed over $400,000, only to later discover that no bail arrangements had been made by Kitt, and police officials were unaware of any such deal. Kitt allegedly disappeared with the funds.
The second charge involves Khaleel Buell, whom Kitt allegedly deceived with claims that he could secure a plot of land for him through Government connections. Kitt allegedly told Buell that he worked closely with officials in the Housing Ministry and could fast-track the acquisition process. Buell reportedly paid Kitt over $1.9 million, expecting the promised assistance. However, Kitt allegedly left the Government office leaving Buell defrauded.
The third charge involves an alleged scheme involving Desi Hiliman, whom Kitt reportedly convinced he could purchase raw gold for. It was stated that Kitt approached Hiliman through a mutual friend and presented a deal involving raw gold from the interior. Believing Kitt’s story, Hiliman handed over $1 million, expecting the gold purchase to go through. However, after receiving the money, Kitt allegedly ceased communication with Hiliman and failed to deliver any gold or provide a refund.
Chief Magistrate McGusty agreed with the prosecution’s position, refusing to grant bail based on the seriousness of the charges and the fact that Kitt is already on bail for similar offences. The prosecution argued that Kitt’s continued engagement in fraudulent activities while out on bail showed a disregard for the law and posed a risk of further crimes if released. The prosecutor also noted that Kitt is before the court on multiple fraud-related charges, demonstrating a pattern of behaviour that warrants close monitoring and detention.
In his defence, Kitt attempted to persuade the court to consider bail, claiming that he had previously been granted bail due to safety concerns after an alleged attempt on his life while in prison.
However, Magistrate McGusty dismissed his concerns, responding, “Don’t worry, I will ask the prisons to take good care of you”.
Kitt is scheduled to return to court on November 29, 2024, for further proceedings.
In August last year, Kitt appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges of obtaining money under false pretences. It was alleged that between July 7 and 13 2023 at Brickdam, Georgetown, Kitt obtained $1,700,000 from Romario Chandrapaul by falsely claiming he could secure a young professional home through the Ministry of Housing and Water.
Further, between August 21 and 23, 2023 Kitt allegedly obtained an additional $500,000 from Roopnarine Sammy under similar pretences, again promising to arrange a home through the Ministry. He pleaded not guilty to both charges, but the police prosecutor objected to bail due to the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, as well as Kitt’s history of similar cases. As a result, Kitt was also remanded in that case but was later released on bail. (G9)