A man was yesterday ordered to pay a $100,000 fine or serve a year in jail after he admitted to scamming a woman by renting her an occupied house that belonged to someone else.
Jermaine Henry, 32, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of obtaining money under false pretence.
It was alleged that on May 9, in Georgetown, Henry, with the intent to defraud, obtained $150,000 from Neela Salik by falsely pretending to her that he was in a position to rent her a house at Lot 38 Turkeyen Area, East Coast Demerara.
Henry, who was unrepresented, was initially not required to plead to the indictable charge. However, after Salik told the court that she was reimbursed her money and did not wish to proceed with the matter, the charge was made summary and read to Henry, who pleaded guilty.
Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick stated that on the day in question, Salik contacted Henry and told him that she was desirous of renting a house for her overseas-based family members, who were coming to vacation in Guyana. He indicated to her that he held the power of attorney for the property, Bostwick said, adding that Salik agreed to pay $300,000, of which she advanced $150,000. Henry told Salik that she could occupy the premises on May 9, but on May 8, she went to the property to collect the keys and discovered that the house was sold to another person, who occupied the building.
Salik then reported the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), leading to the charges against Henry.
When given the opportunity to speak, Henry told the court that he was sorry for what he did and that he hoped that in the future it never happens again.
Magistrate Latchman then fined him.
