The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A LATIN American woman and an American man are on remand at Her Majesty's Prison after the former admitted to committing more than $80,000 worth of credit card fraud. Lunaite Paulmerie, 28, of Brazil, was charged with John Forest, 50, before Magistrate Guilimina Archer. While Paulmerie pleaded guilty to 28 counts of credit fraud, Forest entered a not guilty plea to each count. The defendants, who were both represented by Tai Pinder, were given "two minutes" to consult with their attorney before the arraignment began. Magistrate Archer expressed displeasure that the consultation was taking place just before the arraignment. It is alleged that in the 28 days between Saturday, November 5 and Friday, December 2, the pair incurred a combined debt of $82,108.40 at two major resorts and several businesses in Atlantis' Marina Village. According to court dockets, the two stayed at the Sheraton Beach Hotel on West Bay Street between November 5 and November 19, accruing $19,306.77 worth of credit through false pretenses. It is also alleged that between November 19 and December 2, the two accrued $55,349.98 worth of credit at the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island. They were also accused of committing a combined $6,688.42 worth of credit fraud at four businesses in Marina Village: the O'Sugar Candy Store, Will and Ives, Pirana Joe and Calypso Carousel. Forest was charged separately with committing $18,070 worth of credit fraud at the Riu Hotel. He pleaded not guilty to this charge as well. After Magistrate Archer read out the charges, she informed the accused of their option to have the matters heard in either the Magistrate's Court or the Supreme Court. Both chose to keep their case before Magistrate Archer. The prosecution asked for an adjournment in order to gather all the facts surrounding the case. The tourists will return to the Nassau Street court on December 9.