(CMR) Cavenna Ellis, a former Logic employee, could face imprisonment after being convicted of stealing more than CI $57,000.00 from the telecom company where she worked as an accounts clerk.
The 35-year-old married mother of two was found guilty of 37 false account/theft and making false document charges which date back to 2013. She appeared in court yesterday where the prosecutor argued for a prison sentence for the offenses. It is reported that she has shown no remorse for the offenses and initially blamed her co-workers for the missing money.
She also told police in her first statement that she stole the money in order to pay for medical expenses for her ill mother, who supposedly had cancer and was receiving treatment in Jamaica. She later denied that version of events. Arguing for a suspended sentence, her lawyer said it was totally out of character for his client, who was a regular churchgoer and had received glowing references from people in the community. Previously of good character and with no dealings with the police, a social inquiry report also found she had a very low risk of re-offending.
Magistrate Gunn adjourned the matter until Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm; when she will render her decision. Ellis's bail was extended to that time but was warned she could be facing a custodial sentence for the thefts.
June 2018 UPDATE: She was sentenced to 3.9 years imprisonment on both counts.
June 2019 UPDATE: Ellis appealed her sentence and last week Wednesday it was determined that both convictions were fair. The judge held that the crown had an “exceptionally strong” case and that the conviction was safe. However, Justice Patrick Brooks allowed the sentence for one of her two counts was excessive.
He has stated that the sentence for making a false statement should have been two years instead of the 3.9.
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