THIRTY-SEVEN YEAR-old Marlon Howard's failure to make good on his agreement to send three Jamaicans to work in the Cayman Islands, has brought him before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court to answer to charges of obtaining money by means of false pretence.
The court heard that Howard, who is of a Greater Portmore address, placed an ad in the print media, encouraging persons to apply for housekeeping and babysitting jobs in the Cayman Islands. Two of the complainants, Edna Mead and Clarabell Francis - Scott, reportedly went to Howard's office and expressed their interest in the jobs. They were told that they had to pay $500 to register along with an additional $42,350 fee. Howard reportedly told the complainants that his sister, who lives in the Cayman Islands, was doing the transactions on his behalf.
One of the complainants reportedly went to Howard's office on July 22 and was told that she needed to pay more money. She was taken to a bank in Cross Roads where she paid all the fees that were said to be outstanding. The court heard that later when the complainant tried to call Howard to finalise her arrangements, his phone would not work. She also said that when she called the office, the attendant gave her a different 'story' every day. She never saw or heard from Howard again.
QUESTIONED
When Howard appeared in court on November 2, he was questioned by Resident Magistrate Martin Gayle. He told the court that he gave $35,000 to a police officer who was supposed to hand the money back to the relevant persons. Howard alleged that the police officer stole the money. He further told the judge, "I want them to get back their money your honour. I fix phones and computers, I'm a hardworking man." RM Gayle told him that he had until November 11 to repay both ladies.
Howard, however had to make an unscheduled appearance in court on November 8 . He appeared before RM Gayle to face a third count of obtaining money through false pretence. It is alleged that while in jail, Howard called the third complainant and told him that he needed to pay more money. The complainant told the court that in all, he paid Howard $61,800 . Howard pleaded guilty to all charges and should have been sentenced on November 11.
When he appeared in court he was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with surety and is to be sentenced on November 16. Howard assured RM Gayle that he would repay the complainants by that date.
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