Two men were yesterday accused of converting millions worth of mercury to their own use instead of selling it and returning its proceeds to the rightful owner.
Johnny Harris and Andrew Harris were yesterday released on $250,000 bail each after denying the charges when they were read to them by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court One.
The allegation against Harris is that between October 20 and November 1, 2013, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by owner Delmar Walcott with two flasks of mercury valued $4M to sell and return the proceeds, he fraudulently converted it to his own use and benefit.
Meanwhile, James is accused of fraudulently converting to his own use and benefit one flask of mercury, belonging to Walcott and valued at $2M, after it was given to him by Harris to sell and hand over the proceeds.
No details other than those stated in the charges were presented in court.
Harris, 25, is a gold miner and lives at Lot 5 Now-or-Never Mahaicony.
Meanwhile, James, 43, resides at Lot 65 Village Corentyne, Berbice. He has four children.
The attorney for the men asked for self-bail but his request was denied.
The prosecution had no objections to bail but asked that it be a substantial sum given the cost of the mercury.
After hearing the submissions, the magistrate placed the two men on $250,000 bail each and adjourned the case to November 14.
