In money laundering case…
SIMONE Michel Fraser, who was charged with engaging in money laundering in 2005, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton.
The penalty, that included a $250,000 fine, was handed down Monday, on Fraser, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, who made her first Court appearance on June 20, 2005, before then Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.
Then employed at the Inland Revenue Department, now Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA),  had pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said it was committed on December 27, 2002 and Magistrate Sullivan released her on $50,000 bail.
However, Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds started the first trial but the proceedings recommenced after the case was transferred to Magistrate Octave-Hamilton.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack prosecuted the prisoner but, for the sentencing she was represented by Ms. Fabayo Azore from her chambers.
When contacted, attorney-at-law Mr. Nigel Hughes, who appeared for Fraser, told the Guyana Chronicle that an appeal against the sentence has already been filed.
He said he is in possession of the testimony from two Police officers, who both testified that Fraser was never a suspect in the investigations nor involved in anything illegal.