Pit man fined for stealing from dredge owner

A miner was yesterday fined $50,000 for stealing from his boss.

Jermaine John, who pleaded guilty to stealing a number of articles, including $55,000 cash, from his boss, was fined by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who ordered that he serve four months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.

Jermaine John
Jermaine John

According to the charge read against him, John, 21, on February 7, at Pamela Backdam, Potaro River Essequibo, stole a Blu cellphone, valued $20,000, a SIM card valued $2,000 and $55,000 cash, which were the property of Joseph Maloo.

John pleaded guilty to the charge and objected to giving any further information.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Maloo is the owner of a dredge at Pamela Backdam and John worked for him as a pit man.

He added that about 3:30 on the day of the theft John left the work site at Pamela Backdam and went to the camp, where he entered Maloo’s quarters and stole the items. Upon discovering that the items were missing, a search was made for John but proved unsuccessful. It was on February 9 that Maloo, acting on information, went to 9 Miles Backdam, where he contacted John and asked him for the items. However, John then informed that he had spent the money and lost the other items. He was subsequently arrested by Maloo and others and handed over to the police.