Volda, Mingo fraud case put off to Nov 16

Returning Officer of Region Four Clairmont Mingo was Friday slapped with another charge related to electoral fraud of the March 2, 2020 elections.

The charge of conspiracy to commit fraud was read to him by Magistrate Faith McGusty.

He was not required to plead to the charge since it was indictable but he joins Chairwoman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Volda Lawrence on the charge.

Mingo, who is already on $600,000 bail for four other charges related to electoral fraud, was released on self-bail.

The case was, however, adjourned to November 16, 2020, to allow the prosecution time to complete the filling of statements.

Lawrence, who also appeared in court, told reporters the Prosecution asked for more time to gather their evidence and her attorneys asked the court for a lengthy period so that the case can be dealt with when it is called again.

On August 24, Lawrence was placed on $100,000 bail in relation to a private criminal charge filed against her for the fraudulent elections declaration of March 5.

The charge was filed against her and Mingo since their signatures were found on the declaration; a national vote recount found that the numbers were inflated in favour of the Coalition.

The charge was filed by PPP/C member and current Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, Jnr. on March 16.

Ramson is represented by Attorney Glenn Hanoman.