THE woman implicated in a failed scam at a popular Chinese restaurant appeared in Court yesterday, charged with demanding money with menace.
Melissa Ann De Goeas, 28, of Lot 872 ‘A’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded not guilty, also to a simple larceny charge, before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
Particulars of the first offence alleged that, on January 3, the defendant demanded G$100,000 from John Wong, Manager of New Thriving Restaurant, by threatening to publish, in the media, that a cockroach was in her food, with intent to steal the cost of the meal.
The other charge said, last December 29, she stole G$3,500 and US$50 from John Rodriguez.
Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, said, in the larceny case, De Goeas went to visit Rodriguez at Sleep-In Hotel on Church Street, in the city, too, where, in his room, she asked him to buy her a drink.
The Prosecutor said, when the virtual complainant left to make the purchase, as requested, De Goeas took the money and escaped.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Adrian Thompson, for the Defence, making a bail application said the defendant has three minor children.
She was ordered to post G$75,000 surety on the demanding charge and $25,000 on the other while the cases were put off to January 27.