St Catherine couple charged with stealing over $2M to cover family emergencies

A St Catherine couple has been charged in connection with the theft of more than $2 million from a business in Gutters, Old Harbour, where one of them worked as a branch manager.

Thirty-two-year-old Sashell Smith-Ebanks, a branch manager, and her husband, 42-year-old businessman David Ebanks, both of Gardina Boulevard, Sydenham Villa, St. Catherine, have been charged with larceny as a servant, conspiracy to commit larceny, and receiving stolen property.

According to the Old Harbour Police, the alleged theft took place between Monday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 23. An internal audit revealed that $2,025,000 was missing from cash lodgements made during that time.

When questioned, Smith-Ebanks reportedly admitted to taking the money and handing it over to her husband to assist with what she described as family emergencies.

The matter was reported to the police, and both individuals were taken into custody. They were charged on Saturday, July 26, following a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of their attorney.

The couple is scheduled to appear in the Old Harbour Parish Court on Friday, September 26.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar