Man accused of looting $1.8M in items during house break-in

The allegation is that between November 1 and 2, at Georgetown, Gary Hartman of 58 William Street, Campbellville broke and entered the dwelling house of Minerva Kurt and stole items valued $1.8M, property of the said Minerva Kurt.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge of break and enter and larceny when it was read to him by the acting chief magistrate.

When given a chance to respond, he declined.

The virtual complainant (VC) told the court that she was able to positively identify the accused who is no stranger in the area where she resides.

She explained that on November 2, she secured her house and retired to bed but she was awakened by sounds of footsteps in her house. She said that upon investigating she found the defendant making a frantic effort to exit her house through a window.

The woman said that this is not the first time that her house was broken into by the accused, adding that several previous police reports were made but the defendant would always go into hiding.

The unrepresented Hartman was later remanded to prison. He was ordered to return to court on November 23 for statements.