Accused in $1.6M gold fraud on bail

Accused of fraudulently converting $1.6 million in raw gold to his own use, a man was yesterday granted bail by a city magistrate after he denied the crime.

Gerald Brown is alleged to have been entrusted with 141 pennyweights of raw gold, valued $1,666,850, on February 8, at Lethem, Central Rupununi, in order that he may give same to Roxanne Rambishun but fraudulently converted same for his own use and benefit.

Brown, 26, of North Haslington, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objection to bail but requested that if it were granted that it be substantial. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan subsequently granted the defendant $300,000 bail and adjourned the matter to March 7, when it will be heard in the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.