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DPP Paula Llewellyn
Five of the seven individuals who were charged with conspiracy to defraud the Manchester Parish Council of $400 million over a three-year period, were convicted on Friday.
They will be sentenced on July 27.
The five convicts include former employees of the Manchester Parish Council, now the Manchester Municipal Corporation: the deputy superintendent in charge of road and works, Sanja Elliott, acting chief executive officer, David Harris, and temporary works overseer, Kendale Roberts.
Mr. Elliott's wife Tashagaye and construction worker Dwyane Sibblies were also found guilty by Senior Parish Judge Ann Marie Grainger.
Prior to handing down the verdict, Judge Grainger, in her summation, said based on the evidence presented during the trial, which lasted more than seven months, the convicts conspired to defraud the Manchester Parish Council.
Mr. Elliott's mother Myrtle Elliott and former bank employee, Radcliffe McLean were freed.
Judge Grainger said Mrs Elliott, who withdrew $2 million from an account she shared with her son after he was arrested, had no knowledge that the money was criminal property.
In relation to Mr. McLean, Judge Grainger said even though there were several breaches of protocol, the irregularities were not enough to prove that he was a part of the scheme.
The July 27 date was subsequently schedule for sentencing.
Bail extended
The five convicted had their bail extended.
However, additional conditions were imposed regarding bail for Mr. Elliott and his wife.
Mr. Elliott, who was reporting to the police three days per week, was ordered to report two additional days.
His wife, who had no conditions on her bail, is to report to the Newport police station Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Victory for accountability
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn described on Friday's convictions in the Manchester Parish Court as a victory for the administration of justice, for the public interest and for accountability.
She said the victory should send the message to public servants in charge of the public purse that "corruption must never pay".
The DPP admitted that the case was not an easy one to prosecute. She said the prosecution had 46 witnesses while more than 240 documents were entered into evidence.
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