WOMAN Police Corporal, Vanessa Byass of Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice was charged with embezzlement by a public officer, contrary to Section 191 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

Particulars of the charge are that between January 12 and 13, 2014, the 41-year-old police corporal, who was then stationed at Fort Wellington Police Station, West Coast Berbice, embezzled $37,500, pound fees for animals impounded.

Berbice Commander, Brian Joseph said the corporal was on duty on January 12 when several animals were impounded. The cattle owners subsequently visited the station and paid the appropriate fines for the release of their animals, but the record books did not record any such payment, and as a result an investigation was launched.

Consequent to advice received from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Corporal Vanessa Byass was charged. She appeared before Weldaad Magistrate, Rhodwell Weaver and was not required to plead to the charge, but was ordered to post $50,000 as surety.

The matter is fixed for hearing on Tuesday, November 11.