A MAN who obtained money from a woman by promising to procure a United States (U.S.) visa for her was heard by Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, yesterday. Before the court, at the time, was Roy Sharma (no address given), facing a charge of obtaining money under false pretence.
He pleaded guilty to the offence, particulars of which stated that, on September 12, with intent to defraud, he obtained $133,000 from Annette Coppin by falsely pretending that he was in a position to procure the U.S. travel document for her, knowing it to be false.
Police Sergeant Gordon Mansfield, prosecuting, said the defendant and virtual complainant are known to each other and the former told the latter he can assist her to obtain the visa.
The Prosecutor said Sharma, initially, took $100,000 from Coppin and, later, another $33,000.
However, as time passed, the woman became suspicious and made a report to the police, to whom the
defendant admitted committing the crime when arrested.
Sharma confessed to receiving the money from the virtual complainant but said he never undertook to get her a visa. He said he told Coppin he would assist her to secure it and would charge her $100,000 as a security deposit for the visa and $33,000 for the application.
He said he was financially embarrassed and used the cash but is willing to make restitution.
After hearing his explanation, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea for the defendant and put him on $150,000 bail, until November 1.