Man faces several charges of deception

More than 60 persons are currently assisting police in a case in which a Peniston man is alleged to have obtained money from them through a scam operation.

Tedroy McCree, 31, is currently in police custody, after he is alleged to have collected money from persons by pretending that he was recruiting them to sail on a popular cruise line.

He first appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on August 22, when he was charged that on May 16, 2016 at Stubbs, by deception, he dishonestly obtained EUR$300 in cash from Vradick Richards. McCree was also charged that between May 18 and 31 at Union Island he dishonestly obtained EC$600 in cash from Richards.{{more}}

When he reappeared before the court yesterday, three additional deception charges were laid to him. McCree was charged that between February 1 and 29 at Hopewell by deception, he dishonestly obtained $175 from Shandell McKree. He was also charged that between March 1 and 31 at Kingstown by deception, he dishonestly obtained $315 from Bertram Ambris of Layou. Further, he was charged that on July 21 at Kingstown by deception, he dishonestly obtained $175 from Jassyll Alexander of Old Montrose.

He was not allowed to plead, as the matter is indictable.

Police prosecutor Elgin Richards strongly objected to McCree’s bail, stating that he is a flight risk and if offered bail he would interfere with the ongoing investigation.

Richards asked that McCree be remanded for three weeks, while police continue their investigations.

However, McCree’s lawyer Israel Bruce strongly objected to this. He asserted that there is no evidence that his client has interfered with the investigation, before adding that the flight risk application could be easily remedied.

“If bail is denied, it ought not to go beyond one week,” he said.

Bruce asked that the Crown only be allowed one week and stated that nothing stops the Crown if they are carrying out an investigation.

Richards then disclosed that there are 60 persons being questioned, a process, he says, which takes time.

However, magistrate Bertie Pompey agreed with Bruce, stating that one week is reasonable, but it is also subject to review.

The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Serious Offences Court for September 20, 2016.

Corporal 740 Bion Duncan is the investigating officer. (AS)