Elroy Fernandes of Canal No.2, West Bank Demerara was placed on $85,000 bail yesterday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after allegedly converting to his own use a quantity of food that he was asked to sell.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraudulent conversion when acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson read it to him. It is alleged that on February 13 last year, he was solely entrusted with $488, 200 worth in food by Nazim Pashaw, in order that he may sell same and return the proceeds. Fernandes is accused of fraudulently converting $228,625 worth of the said food stuff to his own use and benefit.

Prosecutor Stephen Telford stated that Pashaw is a businessman and would normally import food stuff. He told the court that Pashaw had given Fernandes, who is a salesman, the stuff to sell for him. Fernandes was to sell the goods at a suitable price so that he could make a profit for himself.

He went on to say that sometime during June last year, Fernandes returned $219, 575 worth in goods back to Pashaw, promising to repay him for the rest of the items. The prosecutor noted that when several months passed and this was not done, Pashaw made a report to the police station.

However, Fernandes stated that he used the money that he had made from selling the rest of the goods to buy fuel for the vehicle that he used the transport the goods to different places. He stated that he has already started repaying Pashaw.

Fernandes is expected to make another court appearance on March 2.