Alleged con artist on $250,000 bail

Andre DeFreitas, the real estate agent who was arrested for allegedly collecting $100,000 in marked bills, under the pretext that he can secure a house lot, was on Friday charged and released on $250,000 bail.

DeFreitas of Cow Pen Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence of obtaining money by false pretence.

The matter was adjourned to March 17 for statements. DeFreitas was arrested in a sting operation around 12:20hrs on February 28 on Regent Street, Georgetown.

Police sources confirmed that he allegedly collected $100,000 in marked bills claiming that he has a contact at the Ministry of Housing and would be able to secure a house lot for the person who paid the money.

DeFreitas, who told the police that he owns Prime investments, was immediately arrested during a sting operation and was taken to the Brickdam Police station for questioning.