Security guard charged with four counts of fraud

A security guard of Viv-La-Force, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday released on $120,000 bail after she was slapped with four counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

The charges were brought by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU); Donetta Charles appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate (ag), Sherdel Isaacs Marcus.

A press release from SOCU noted that she pleaded not guilty and the matters were adjourned to July 14, 2023, for statements.

According to SOCU, three women were befriended by a male Caucasian on WhatsApp and they established a so-called long-distance relationship and communicated regularly via social media.

It is alleged that during their conversations, the male told them that he will be sending to Guyana packages containing items such as cologne, bags, watches, chains, and US currency.

“Thereafter, they received WhatsApp messages from a delivery agent of the Delta Courier Service, who informed them that the packages are in transit in their Chicago Office, USA. They were then asked to send cash to Donetta Charles to facilitate the delivery of the packages,” SOCU said.

It is further alleged that the victims sent a total of $590, 000 to Charles but they never received any package.

The matter was reported to SOCU and an investigation was launched.