Roach’s theft, money laundering trial begins

The theft and money laundering trial of Reynold Randolph Roach has started in Supreme Court No. 4A.

Roach, 57, of Lower Estate Heights, St Michael, is charged that between June 21 and 22, 2012, he stole $76 000 belonging to the Bank of Nova Scotia, the proceeds of a draft from that bank made payable to Reynold Roach, and that between those same dates, he engaged in money laundering in that he disposed of the sum of $76 000 being the proceeds of crime, theft.

In her opening statement on Wednesday, Senior State Counsel Joyann Catwell, who is prosecuting the matter, told the all-female jury that a bank client had been interested in purchasing a vehicle and went to Roach, who was a car dealer. Documents were prepared by the bank and the accused to facilitate the purchase. The cheque was prepared in the accused’s name, but the client never received the car.

Three witnesses gave evidence, including Managing Director of Corbin’s Garage Michael Corbin, Managing Director of Seale’s Construction and Equipment Rentals Basil Seale, and Relationship Officer at the Bank of Nova Scotia William Harewood.

Roach is self-represented in the trial over which Madam Justice Wanda Blair.

The matter resumes on February 5.