A realtor was yesterday brought to a city court after she allegedly converted the funds given to her for rent to her own use.
According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, Paula Welch, who gave two addresses to the court, was known to complainant Samantha Burrowes, who entrusted her with a deposit of $306,000 to cover three months’ rent.
Welch, Mangru said, promised to have a place for Burrowes by November 28. After the day had passed, Burrowes enquired about the home and was told that a place had not been acquired.
The matter was reported and Welch was charged with fraudulently converting the money given to her to her own use.
Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail on the grounds that the 38-year-old defendant had given two different addresses.
Welch was initially granted bail in the sum of $200,000 by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry but, on the request of her lawyer, the figure was reduced to $150,000.
She was also ordered to report regularly to the Brickdam Police Station and lodge her passport. She is to return to court on January 28 for statements.
