Ex-mining company clerk accused of embezzling 10 ounces raw gold

A former clerk of North American Resources Incorporated was yesterday remanded to prison after denying a charge that he embezzled 10 ounces of raw gold from the company.

Dwayne De Leon, 26, of 309 Lamaha Park, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court accused of embezzling 10 ounces of raw gold, worth $3,596,860, which was taken into possession by him for the North American Resources Incorporated.

It was alleged that he embezzled the gold on March 29, 2013, at a Potaro River location, while being employed the company.
De Leon pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte objected to bail, pointing to the quantum allegedly embezzled and the penalty it would attract if guilt is proven. He also said he feared that if De Leon is granted bail, he may not return to face trial.

De Leon’s lawyer, Mark Waldron, told the court that his client was the former camp manager for the company and he is claiming that he washed the gold and subsequently left the camp.

Waldron, in his application for bail, noted that the man was placed on bail before and added that he saw no reason for an objection now.
But bail was refused and the case was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, where it will be called on July 17th.