TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Dwayne De Leon, of Lot 309 Rahaman’s Park, Houston, East Bank Demerara, was refused bail yesterday on an embezzlement charge.
Before Magistrate Judy Latchman, he pleaded not guilty to having, on Friday, March 29, at Kanuwaka Landing, Potaro, Essequibo River, being a clerk of North American Resources Inc., he fraudulently embezzled 10 ounces of raw gold valued $3,059,586.

Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, prosecuting, was successful in objecting to pre-trial freedom for the defendant, pointing out the penalty attached to the offence, the quantum involved; he said, if granted, it is likely that De Leon may not return for trial.
The case was transferred to Mahdia Court, Potaro, for July 17, despite attorney-at-law, Mr. Mark Waldron stating that the defendant was gainfully employed as the camp manager at the company.
The lawyer said De Leon was arrested two weeks after the allegation had been made and put on $30,000 station bail.