A man who allegedly stole in excess of $200,000 in food items was on Friday placed on bail in the sum of $250,000 by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The allegation is that on November 6 at Lethem, Rickey Johnson stole 18 bags of rice, a quantity of flour, sugar, salt and other items, valued $273,900. The items are the property of Dereck Tollaram.
The accused, a farmer of South Rupununi, pleaded not guilty to the charge of simple larceny when it was read to him.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that Johnson, who is employed by Tollaram, removed the items from the man’s shop. The police were summoned and the items were found at Johnson’s house. He was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested and later charged.
The prosecution had no objection to the accused being admitted to bail but requested that it be in a substantial sum.
The case has been transferred to the Lethem Magistrates’ Court for December 7.
