The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was granted $5,000 bail after pleading not guilty in Magistrate's Court to committing nearly $700 worth of fraud while impersonating a Volunteer Bahamas worker. Jerron Bain, 21, of Saunders Acres was released on the bond by Court 10 Magistrate Guilimina Archer after the prosecution offered no objection. Bain was arraigned in the Nassau Street Court on three charges of fraud by false pretences, along with possessing and uttering a false document. It was claimed that all the offences were committed between November 8 and December 15, 2011. It is alleged that on November 8, Bain obtained $300 cash from Reverend T G Morrison under false pretences. On November 28, it is claimed, he was in possession of a forged Royal Bank of Canada cheque bearing his name, which he used knowing it was not genuine. It is further claimed that on the same day, he obtained $150 from Dr Cleveland Eneas. The fourth offence was allegedly committed by the accused on December 15. He is charged with obtaining $200 from Reverend Rubert Smith on that date. Bain chose to have the charge of forging and uttering a false document tried in the Magistrate's Court. During his arraignment, the accused initially pleaded guilty to the charges, explaining that he had received the funds, but not under false pretences. Magistrate Archer did not accept this plea. "Either you did or you didn't do it," she said. After all the charges were read, the accused again attempted to explain the circumstances behind the situation, saying it stemmed from his attempt to obtain a business licence under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The Magistrate cut him off and told him he could explain the details at his trial in July. "I don't need an explanation at this time," she said. The accused, who was not represented by an attorney, was told that he would be granted $5,000 bail with one surety. He returns to court for trial on July 18. Four witnesses are expected to give evidence.