Hotel staff admit to stealing co-worker’s savings

Though they pleaded guilty to simple larceny, two employees of a hotel on the outskirts of the Corporate Area disputed the amount mentioned by the prosecution.

The court heard that on February 20, Everette Barnette, a security guard, and Sydoney Mitchell, a cashier and housekeeper, were seen on surveillance footage using an object to open the complainant's locker and stole $279,000 as well as US$100. But they told Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that the reported sum was incorrect.

"It wasn't no $279,000, that's a lie. I got $40,000, I took it," Mitchell told the court, while Barnette added that he only stole $50,000. However, the prosecutors affirmed the amount and the complainant said that it was her personal savings. It was further revealed to the court that Barnette can be heard on a recording admitting that he received the money from Mitchell.

When asked by Crooks if they were prepared to repay the complainant as part of sentencing, Mitchell said she only walked with $40,000 and Barnette only had $10,000 in his possession.

Initially, Crooks was minded to remand the defendants in custody pending sentencing, but he instead offered $100,000 bail with surety. They were ordered to surrender their passports and a stop order was imposed. They are to report to the police once a week and must not contact or interfere with the complainant.

Mitchell and Barnette were made the subjects of a fingerprint order and are expected to return to court on June 7, when they are to be sentenced. By that time, the surveillance footage and voice notes are to be analysed by Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division and attached to the file. Crooks also requested that a special report be completed by the probation department. - T.T.