The two former Delta Petroleum Ltd. employees Yolanda Royer and Daunelle Hussey who eventually pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering, received sentences on March 14, 2013 ranging from restitution, suspended sentences, and fines.
The two were initially arrested in November, 2011 faced 69 counts of theft totaling $150,605.55, in respect of Royer, while Hussey was charged with 42 counts of theft totaling $88,692.99. They were jointly charged with forgery, uttering forged documents, obtaining property by deception and conspiracy to defraud Delta Petroleum Ltd. When they appeared in court for their hearing, they both pleaded guilty to theft, and money laundering, while the prosecution offered no evidence in respect of other charges.
Justice Thomas W.R. Astaphan on March 14, sentenced the two as follows:
Yolanda Royer:
On Count One: Theft contrary to section 210 (b) of the Penal Code Cap. 402:
- To pay compensation to Delta Petroleum Montserrat Ltd. in the sum of EC$116,035.80. Compensation to he paid within two years or at such sooner time as the property registered as Block 13/11 Parcel 73 is sold.
2. Enter into a Recognizance with two Sureties in the sum of EC$50,000.00 to keep the peace for a period of two years, until such recognizance is entered into shall be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year.
- Pay a fine of EC$50,000.00 to be paid within thirty six months in default six months imprisonment.
- Sentence to two years imprisonment. Sentence not to take effect unless within a period of
two years you commit any offence within Montserrat which is punishable by imprisonment.
On Count five: Money Laundering: contrary to section 33 (1) (a) of the Proceeds of Crime Act Cap 404.
- Sentence to ten days imprisonment. Time on remand to be deducted.
- Fine of EC$100.00.
- All sentences to run concurrently.
As it relates to Daunelle Hussey, the judge ordered as follows:
On Count Two – Theft contrary to section 210 (b) of the Penal Code Cap. 402:
1. To pay compensation to Delta Petroleum Montserrat Ltd. in the sum of EC$58,876.90, to be paid within five years.
2.Enter into a Recognizance with two Sureties in the sum of EC$25,000.00 to keep the peace for a period of two years, until such recognizance is entered into shall be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year.
3. Pay a fine of EC$25,000.00 to he paid within forty-eight (48) months in default six months imprisonment.
4. Sentence to one year imprisonment. Sentence not to take effect unless within a period of two years you commit any offence within Montserrat which is punishable by imprisonment.
On Count five: Money Laundering: contrary to section 33 (1) (a) of the Proceeds of Crime Act Cap 404.
Sentence to ten days imprisonment. Time on remand to be deducted. Fine of EC$100.00. All sentences to run concurrently.
Crown Counsel Oris Sullivan, while Attorneys Tianna Behanzin and Marcelle Watts appeared for the defense.
