Man with many names remanded in custody

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque remanded a 22-year-old man, as she expressed discomfort after hearing that the accused allegedly adopts three different names and identities to commit fraudulent activities.

The accused, who is charged on an indictment bearing the name Romario Wright, is said to also go by two other names. He made an appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday.

Prosecutors contend that on October 19, Wright is alleged to have received US$5,300 (approximately $818,000) for the purchase of a tractor. However, the complainant is yet to receive it. He was subsequently charged with fraudulent conversion and obtaining money by means of false pretence.

The accused said that he received money from the complainant, but only collected the sums on behalf of someone he does not know. He also shared further that he has another matter before the court, where he is charged with receiving stolen property.

The judge ordered that Wright be fingerprinted and requested a social-enquiry report on him.

"Are you a money mule? You just taking money and transport it and don't say nothing at all? That is nonsensical. At 22, you should not have so many interactions with the court," the senior jurist said.

He was remanded in custody until February 15, 2024.