Tashieka Mair, Star Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A St James man suspected of being involved in the infamous lottery scam was remanded when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Patrick White, a 22-year-old farmer, was charged with breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act after a package addressed to him was found to contain a cheque.
Cashier's cheque
The cheque was allegedly sent from a pensioner in the United States to clear lottery winnings.
White, who resides at Westgate Hills in Montego Bay, allegedly said he was making a final attempt at getting some money to complete his farm in Bethel Town, Westmoreland.
Allegation are that on July 10, the accused man went to the Sangster International Airport to collect a package at the Customs Department.
The package was retained by Customs and when it was opened a cashier's cheque in the sum of US$9,000 was found.
The court was further informed that further investigations revealed that the cheque was sent by a 78-year-old pensioner in Ohio, USA, who was told that she won the Australian lottery and needed to send money, allegedly to White, to process her winnings.
Defence attorney George Thomas said his client made no admission to the police about being involved in any criminal activities.
However, Resident Magistrate Carolin Tie said she would not offer bail at this time. An August 4 court date was scheduled, to allow for statements to be collected from relevant Crown witnesses abroad.
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