Miner remanded on fraud charge

…allegedly cheated uncle of 8 ounces raw gold

After one year of evading the Police, Sherwin Saul found himself before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday afternoon following his recent arrest for fraud.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan read the charge which stated that between January 24, 2016 and February 24, 2016, at White Water Arama Backdam in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District (Region Seven), being solely entrusted with 15.5 ounces of raw gold for Virtual Complainant (VC) Kelvin Saul, he  fraudulently converted eight ounces to his own use and benefit.
The 42-year-old unrepresented miner denied the charge, while relating to the court that he had a fixed place of residence in Litchfield on the West Coast of Demerara.
Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted, disclosing that Saul was arrested early last year following the report by the VC, who is the defendant’s uncle. According to Moore, the defendant was released on $100,000 station bail, but never returned despite being cautioned that that was a condition of his bail. Moore related that Saul then eluded Police, but he was recently spotted in Georgetown by ranks, who readily nabbed and arrested him in relation to the said felony.  The Prosecutor in these circumstances requested that the Magistrate remand Saul pending the outcome of the trial, in light of him being a high flight risk.  Chief Magistrate McLennan transferred the case to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court to be heard on June 16.