By Prince Moore
The two people charged by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) in a targeted operation in Montego Bay and Portmore last Friday have been granted bail.
Simoes Ellis, a former HEART/NSTA Trust employee of a Gregory Park Portmore address, and Kevina Atkins, another former employee and resident of Salt Spring, St. James, were charged in relation to a more than $4 million fraud investigation at HEART/NSTA.
They made an appearance in the St. James Parish Court on Tuesday.
Ellis was charged with larceny as a servant, possession of criminal property, and conspiracy, while Atkins was charged with receiving stolen property, possession of criminal property, and conspiracy to defraud.
A third person, said to be a family member of one of those charged, was taken into custody but was not charged.
On Tuesday, Ellis was offered bail in the sum of $1 million with one to three sureties.
A stop order was placed at all ports of entry, her travel documents were surrendered and fingerprints taken.
Atkins on the other hand was granted bail in the sum of $600,000 with one to three sureties.
She was also ordered to surrender all travel documents and her fingerprint taken.
A stop order was placed at all ports of entry.
The two are to return to court on February 12, 2025 for case management.
Additionally, outstanding documents, including the arresting officer's statement and two witness statements, are expected to be in place by the next court appearance.
Initially, MOCA had mentioned a $17 million fraud probe, but in court it was disclosed that the two have been charged in connection with more than $4 million.
All feeds
