Woman accused of teachers’ college fraud

A Corporate Area woman who was employed as a cashier at a teachers' college is now at the centre of a multimillion fraud investigation.

Charged with three counts of embezzlement is Christena Williams, who investigators contend swindled in excess of $5 million from students of the college. It was shared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday that the elaborate scheme ran between 2019 and 2022. It is alleged that Williams, in her capacity as cashier, collected monies from students, which was expected to go towards their tuition fees. Williams, according to prosecutors, handwrote receipts and indicated to the students that they had cleared their balance with the institution. However, when students checked their accounts, they indicated that they still owed tuition.

Tameka Dunbar, attorney-at-law for the accused, submitted that an attendance log be made available for disclosure at the next court date.

"My instructions are that my client was not at work on the dates and that someone was using her login to access the system," Dunbar argued.

The matter was adjourned by Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell until June 24, when the matter is set for mention.

- T.T.