A NORTH Ruimveldt man, who allegedly collected over $11 million from two persons under the pretext that he could supply them with machinery and parts, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Micah Sonaram of Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to two fraud related charges and was granted $300,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus.

It is alleged that Sonaram, between October 24, 2020, and January 21, 2021, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with $3,744,000, by Clive Jordan in order that he may purchase and deliver one 2017DX225 excavator, 2019 Honda ATV and excavator parts (monitor, starter, and a water pump), converted the money to his own use and benefit.

Further, it is alleged that between November 3, 2020, and January 12, 2021, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with $7,700,000 by June Ann Daniels in order that he may purchase and deliver one DX225 LCA excavator, converted the money to his own use and benefit.

The court was informed that Sonaram is the registered owner of a fly-by-night business named ‘PARTZONE GY Inc.’ located at North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

The business imports and sells new, refurbished and used heavy duty machinery.

Apart from having a physical location to conduct his business, Sonaram uses Facebook to promote it. It was via this platform that Jordan and Daniels became aware of Sonaram’s business and the services he offers.

Jordan made contact with Sonaram and later visited the business location. When he arrived, he met with Sonaram and made arrangements to purchase the items mentioned in the charge. During the period stated in the particulars of the charge, Jordan made a down payment of $3,744,000 for the purchase of the items. The items were scheduled to arrive in Guyana 30 days after the down payment was made.

According to the facts of the case, Sonaram signed and provided Jordan with receipts for the money received. He then indicated to Jordan that the items were on the wharf and were ready to be uplifted, but they were never delivered to him.

Sonaram reportedly promised to refund the amount given to him but he has failed to do so. The matter was reported and Sonaram was charged.

Like Jordan, Daniels became aware of business via Facebook. She also met with the accused at his business place and handed over the sum mentioned in the charge as a down payment for the item she wanted. She was given signed receipts for the money paid.

The excavator was scheduled to be delivered on January, 12, 2021, but it was not. She too was promised a refund after being told that the item was on the wharf. She has not received the refund.

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched.

Sonaram is not a first time offender. The accused has similar matters before the court. Recently, he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Additionally, he has seven similar reports lodged against him at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus granted Sonaram $150,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned until March 15.