$1M bail for businesswoman on human trafficking charge

A businesswoman was granted $1M bail yesterday after being accused of trafficking two women for sexual exploitation.

Julianne Joseph, 34, appeared in a city magistrate’s court with a calm demeanour.

Julianne Joseph
Julianne Joseph

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said the allegation is that Joseph transported two women on January 19 for the purpose of sexual exploitation at Cuyuni. She pleaded not guilty.

While Mangru did not object to bail, he did ask for it to be a hefty figure with the condition that Joseph report to the Charity Police Station.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry subsequently set bail at $1M and ordered Joseph to report to the station every Monday.

The case was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where it will be called on February 12.