RAPHAEL Laurie, 24, of Lot 7 Supply, East Bank of Demerara, appeared Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with four counts of embezzlement, and was placed on a total of $375,000 bail when he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Particulars of one charge state that on July 5, 2012 at Supply, East Bank of Demerara, being employed as a clerk or servant at Bacchus Drug Store, he embezzled the sum of $5,446, taken into custody or account in the name of his employer or the owner.

The second charge related that between October 9, and November 1, 2012, at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank of Demerara, being employed as a clerk or servant at Bacchus Drug Store, he also embezzled the sum of $393,292.

Particulars of the third charge said that on November 28, at Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, being employed as a clerk or servant at Bacchus Drug Store, he embezzled the sum $14,320.

Particulars of the fourth offence detail that, between November 1, 2011 and March 6, 2012, being employed as a clerk or servant at Bacchus Drug Store, he embezzled the sum of $885,041.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said the defendant has similar matters involving the same virtual complainant pending before another court, and other charges are likely to be pressed against him soon.

He said Laurie was employed as a sales clerk with Mohamed ‘Bobby’ Bacchus, proprietor of Bacchus Drug Store, and during that time, he conducted business and never paid in the proceeds.

The prosecutor did not object to bail, and the case was put off to March 3.
Written By Geeta Rampersaud