Woman accused of land sale scam granted bail

A 35-year-old woman who is charged in relation to alleged fraudulent land sales was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 when she appeared in the St Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday.

She is Shanna-Marie Maragh of Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Attorney Walter Melbourne told the court that his client suffers from two chronic illnesses and bail is necessary for her to get medical attention.

He also insisted that the matter was a civil issue and not a criminal matter.

Maragh was granted bail on condition that she reports to the Bridgeport Police Station on Wednesdays and Saturdays and reappears in court on May 7.

It is alleged that between April and August 2023, Maragh collected $4.3 million from the three complainants as downpayment for house lots in Frenchman Heights, St Catherine.

In one instance, a complainant made a deposit of $1.9 million from a total of $3 million and was promised he would receive a title.

However, the complainant kept getting demands for additional sums until he reported the matter to the police.

An investigation was launched, which resulted in Maragh being charged with three counts of obtaining money by means of false pretence.

- Rasbert Turner

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