Attorney denies theft and money laundering charges

Attorney-at-law Vonda Minerva Pile says she is not guilty of the theft and money laundering charges levelled against her.

Pile entered the not guilty pleas on the two-count indictment when she was arraigned before Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell on Wednesday.

It is alleged that she stole $205 481.88 via the proceeds of a Royal Bank of Canada Limited cheque payable to Patricia Hall between January 11, 2007 and March 16, 2011.

Pile is also charged with engaging in money laundering related to the alleged disposal of the money being the proceeds of crime.

Before the charges were read Justice Smith-Bovell asked Pile whether she was represented by legal counsel.

The accused attorney explained that she was only notified of the court matter about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. She however stated, “I am present and accounted for and will be dealing with the matter.”

Pile again stated, “I will be dealing with the matter ma’am”. When asked whether that meant she was self-represented, she replied, “yes”.

She further told the court, when questioned, that she had no disclosure or the indictment on the charges. “I have nothing ma’am at the moment. . . . I need everything to work with.”

Senior State Counsel Rudolph Burnett who was holding the matter for his colleague Senior State Counsel Oliver Thomas assured the No.4 Supreme Court that documents would be made available to the accused in a week.

Justice Smith-Bovell then set Pile’s case for mention on July 5.

“I will see the court on the 5th of July,” Pile stated as she left the dock accompanied by a female prison officer.