Home Ministry auctioneer on embezzlement charge over sale of vehicles

Jermaine Hermanstyne, an employee of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was yesterday charged with fraudulently disposing of two vehicles that he was entrusted to auction.

Hermanstyne, 36, of Lot 167 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, was charged with embezzlement by a public servant, when he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence after a request wasmade for the matter to be dealt with summarily and he was granted bail in the sum of $200,000.

Jermaine Hermanstyne

It was alleged that on October 13, Hermanstyne was entrusted, by virtue of his employment as an Auctioneer/Field Clerk, with receipt, custody management and control of valuable security, namely motor vehicles PKK 1271 and PMM 9609, but he fraudulently disposed of them, not for public auction. No further details of the offence were presented to the court.

The prosecution did not object to bail, but asked that Hermanstyne be required to lodge his passport and any other travel documents which he may possess.

The Chief Magistrate granted bail with the condition that Hermanstyne lodge his travel documents and that he report to the Criminal Investigations Department at Brickdam every Friday at 8am.

The case was adjourned until November 9, when it will be called in Court One.