A 39-year-old man was, on Friday, hauled before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing $7.1 million from the Lenders Jewellery & Pawn Shop, where he was employed as a supervisor.

Claude Stewart of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown denied that, between November 20, 2020, and May 27, 2022, while being employed at the pawn shop, he stole the money which belonged to his employer, Collin Barker.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Shercola Exeter, who pleaded with the court for reasonable bail. Exeter told the court that Stewart is the father of two minor children.

Police prosecutor, Christopher Morris, did not object to the lawyer’s application but asked for conditions to be attached.

The magistrate after listening to both sides, ordered Stewart to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters every Monday until the case is completed. He was released on $250,000 bail and the matter adjourned until July 22.

According to reports, as a supervisor, Stewart was tasked with collecting pawned jewellery which he placed in envelopes for safekeeping until the owners returned to repay their debt.

However, it is alleged that during the period in question, Stewart made in excess of 27 envelopes bearing the names of unknown persons.

He reportedly placed nail clips, keys and other odd items inside the envelopes and made himself $7.1 million from the “fake” transactions.

Barker, who is the pawn shop owner, went through the envelopes after the “grace period” had passed and discovered that there was no jewellery inside.

The matter was reported to the police and Stewart was arrested. It is alleged that he admitted to the crime while under caution.