By Tahna Weston
A middle-aged soldier within the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) who is facing fraud charges, has been granted bail.
Sean Richards was arrested and charged by the police for fraudulently converting the sum of $19,052.35.
The money was entrusted to him by Jodele Hodge for the purchase of a Honda Fit motor vehicle, but the police allege that he converted the sum for his own use.
Richards, who resides in Gunthropes, made his first court appearance in St John’s Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was placed on $38,000 bail with two sureties, even though the prosecution objected to his being released on bail.
Other conditions of his bail required him to pay a cash deposit of $3,800, surrender his travel documents, remain at his current address, and report to the St John’s Police Station three days each week.
As it pertains to him changing residence, he would be required to give at least three days notice to the police. Additionally, the father of two was warned not to interfere or have any contact with the victim or any known potential witness.
Magistrate Conliffe Clarke also told Richards that a notice would be placed at the Immigration Department, which means that he would be unable to leave the country without the written consent of the court.
The committal proceedings have been set for January 14, 2025.
The victim is alleged to have made individual payments to Richards on April 1 and June 8, 2023.
Richards, who said he was unrepresented by an attorney, was advised to get one, as the matter is indictable and will be tried in the High Court.
Meanwhile, reliable sources tell Observer that Richards is in more hot water as three ADBF soldiers have made reports to the police in reference to monies which they gave him for a particular purchase.
However, they have reportedly not received the item or their money.
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