Accused in theft from woman’s car was caught on camera – court told

Albert DeFreitas
Albert DeFreitas

Albert DeFreitas, who was released on bail in two robbery cases late last year, was yesterday charged with stealing over $500,000 in goods from a woman’s car.

It is alleged that De Freitas, of  Leopold Street, on January 31st  at Parade Street, stole a Samsung Galaxy phone, valued at $200,000, a Dell Laptop, also valued at $200,000, a handbag valued $60,000, a make-up kit valued $50,000 and $13,000 cash, which were the property of Sherry Haynes.

DeFreitas pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown.

The court heard that Haynes left her car parked on Parade Street and went into a store for about 20 minutes. She returned and discovered the items were missing and upon further investigation it was shown that the lock of one of the doors was tampered with.

The prosecutor objected to bail being granted, while noting that DeFreitas, who returned the laptop, was recorded by a surveillance camera committing the crime. He further objected, while stating that the accused has an ongoing matter before the court.

DeFreitas’ attorney then stated that the video footage showed him dropping his son to school and the items that were returned were not returned by him.

Magistrate Latchman remanded the man to prison and adjourned the matter until February 26th.