News

Nine in RBTT scam escape prison term

NINE YOUNG MEN from Montego Bay who pleaded guilty to stealing over half a million dollars from the RBTT automated teller machines during the Christmas week when the bank suffered a technical glitch, can thank high heaven that they won't be serving a prison sentence.

The young men between the ages 18 to 25, who turned over a brown envelope with a managers' check of $599,500 at their last court hearing, January 9, faced the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate court yesterday when Resident Magistrate's Martin Gayle made a probation order for two years with no conviction made against them.

RM Gayle said he was pleased with their social enquiry reports and that they had not hesitated to turn over the money they had drawn with the RBTT cards not from their personal accounts.

The young men, Bjorn McHardy, 20, Trevor Chen, 25, Andre Brown, 22, Anthony Chen, Gregory Scarlett, 23, Frank Chambers, 30, Maurice Ottey, 28, Christian Fray, 20, Nicholas Rasinski, 22, were given one last chance at life.

"One thing is sure about this case, dishonesty is dishonesty, but based on the circumstances, I give you the opportunity to make good of your lives." RM Gayle told the young men standing silently in the dock.

"The family is grateful," said George Duncan, attorney-at-law representing the nine.

Extended bail

Ten men from Kingston, also in connection with the $23 million stolen from the RBTT between December 24-26, were also grateful when RM Gayle extended their bail until April 20 when they will be given one last time to return the cash to the bank.

Among them was Omar Hennis of Bull bay, who pleaded guilty to making 90 withdrawals of $10,000 from the Harbour Street machine has not returned one cent since the theft three months ago.

"He has relatives abroad who promised to pay $U.S.10,000," his lawyer, Charles Williams told the court.

"Do not leave me without an option," RM Gayle warned both Hennis and his attorney. Hennis, who has taken $900,000 from the ATM was said to use $250,000 to bury his grandmother, and buy several household accessories. However, he claimed to lose everything to thieves.

Antonile Tenant, 19, who had withdrawn $536,500 has not made any restitution. However, his mother told the court that she had shares in a company but had not yet received the money.

Though Omar Messam turned in the 1995 Honda Civic and a $1 million manager's cheque the RBTT needs to evaluate the cost of the vehicle so they could have access to the funds.

Inspector Fitz Bailey of the Fraud Squad suggested that Messam sign the transfer to the bank so they could sell the vehicle.

Marlon Bailey, pleaded not guilty, insisting that the did not withdraw any money since he is not even an RBTT card holder.

Inspector Bailey told the court that the police had a still picture of Bailey in the ATM. Bailey must return to court on April 6 in court 3 where the matter will be tried.