Clerk on $250,000 bail for allegedly embezzling $5M
A 34-year-old clerk who is accused of embezzling almost $5 million from his employer, was yesterday placed before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
The courtroom of Magistrate Fabayo Azore heard that between May 1, and July 31, 2016, at Georgetown, Naipaul Beharry, of Diamond Junior Staff Compound, East Bank Demerara, while being the clerk or servant of Ramgobin Mahalall, embezzled $4,977,000, taken in account for or, in the name of his employer.
Beharry, who appeared unrepresented by an attorney, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police Prosecutor Simone Payne who did not reveal the facts of the charge, had no objections of bail being granted to the accused. However, she asked the court that bail be granted in a substantial amount.
Magistrate Azore subsequently granted the accused bail of $250,000, and adjourned his matter until June 7. Workers from the Mayor and City Council will most likely tear down the derelict building on Thomas Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown which collapsed onto the side of a residential building.
Town Clerk Royston King on Tuesday in an invited comment told Stabroek News that building inspectors from the City’s Engineer department visited the scene on Tuesday and conducted an assessment.
He said that based on the report submitted by the inspector, the council will move to have the building demolished, and will attach the cost to the property tax.
The neighbour, Laurine Jardine, who resides at Lot 290, Thomas Street, on Tuesday told this newspaper that a relative of the owners had also visited and conducted an assessment, and has promised to return.
Jardine explained that around 4.30 am on Monday, she and her husband were awakened by a thunderous noise, and upon checking they discovered that the house next door had fallen and crashed onto the northern wall of their property.
On Tuesday, she explained that the house which is still partially standing remains a threat, “because if a heavy rain fall, or breeze blow it could collapse and cause more damages.”
She noted that at this point in time, she is unable to figure out the total damage, as the derelict structure is still bracing against her house. However, sections of the northern wall of her house, and pipes which are connected to the washroom and kitchen have been damaged.