Technician in trouble for buying stolen phone

A phone technician who admitted to purchasing an iPhone 13 for $ 12,000, much cheaper than its original price, was scolded by a senior judge for being naive.

"We have to be more responsible. There is a reason why I don't walk and buy things from any and everybody you know, because sometimes when you walk and buy things, what you are doing is providing a market for thieves. Sometimes when something is too good to be true, trust me, it really is," Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque said.

Jordan Levy, 22, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property on Thursday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. It was reported that someone stole the complainant's cell phone and sold it to Levy for $12,000. The phone was tracked to a supermarket along Washington Boulevard, where Levy was an employee, and found in his possession.

"Your Honour, I didn't know that it was stolen. When I received it, the screen was cracked. I didn't tamper with it in any way," Levy explained.

"I am not a phone specialist but what do you know the value of an iPhone 13 to be? Is it $12,000? You are a technician correct? So you are in the market and you know the price of these items. So based on your knowledge, what is the value of an iPhone 13? I am asking an expert opinion," the judge asked.

"An iPhone 13 values about $85,000," Levy said, causing a stir in the courtroom.

"I want you to realise, based on what I am hearing, I am revealing my mind to you, if the phone worth $85,000 and you knowing that the phone market value is $85,000 and you go buy said phone for $12,000, something should have triggered in your head to know that the phone was stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained," the senior judge stressed.

Meanwhile, Annmarie Williams, 33, is charged with extortion. She is employed as a security guard at the location where Levy was employed. It was alleged that when the phone was tracked, Williams told the complainant that she wanted $12,000 from him in exchange for the return of the phone. She pleaded not guilty.

Cole-Montaque imposed bail conditions for Williams, imposing a stop order. She must report to the police once a week and was also made the subject of a fingerprint order.

Levy and Williams are to return to court on October 25.