A vehicle importer is being accused of defrauding a client of almost $1M paid towards the purchase a bus.
Juanita Britton, 38, of 186 South La Penitence was charged with an almost four year old crime, in which she is accused of fraudulently converting funds entrusted to her to her own use.
Initially, the woman had not been required to plea to the charge. However, when later given an opportunity to plea by Magistrate Ann McLennan, Britton elected to plead not guilty.
The charge alleges that Britton, at Kitty, on November 4, 2010 was entrusted with the sum of $980,000 to supply to Penelope Andrews a Toyota Hiace bus
but had failed to do so and instead converted the funds to her own use.
According to the woman’s lawyer, Andrews had made a down payment on the bus but had failed to complete the transaction. His client, he said, had an unblemished record and was not involved in any crime.
Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail, explaining that an arrest warrant had been issued for the defendant but it was only until recently that the police managed to arrest and charge her.
He further added that Britton had supplied a different address to the police than that stated by her lawyer. These points, he said, indicated the defendant as a possible flight risk if granted bail.
However, the woman’s lawyer refuted the claims, stating that no arrest warrant had been issued for his client. After conferring with Britton, he added that she was not even aware of the alleged second address provided by the prosecutor.
The prosecutor’s objections to bail were overruled and Britton was granted bail in the sum of $250,000. Britton is to return to court on March 20, when the matter will be called for reports and fixtures as well as statements.
