Fraud accused granted bail

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE 35-year-old woman who was charged with over 100 fraud-related offences in connection to the recent trend of fake COVID-19 test results was yesterday granted bail prior to the reading of the remaining charges brought against her.

Laderia Russell appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with 160 counts of forgery and possession of a forged document which the prosecution alleged she committed between November 2020 and March of this year.

Police allege Russell, with the intent to deceive, was found with forged Doctors Hospital and Premier Clinical Lab health system negative COVID-19 RT-PCR tests in the names of several different people, knowing they were not genuine.

It is further alleged the defendant, with the intent to evade the requirement of the law, forged the COVID-19 tests in the name of the individuals to purport them as genuine.

On Monday, the accused pleaded not guilty to 40 of the allegations. After spending one night on remand, she returned to court yesterday and denied an additional 70 counts.

Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt said because of the court’s busy schedule, Russell would not be able to enter a plea to the remaining charges until April 26.

The accused, who is represented by attorneys Ian Cargill and Wendawn Miller, was granted $40,000 bail with two or three sureties in the interim.

CORRECTION: In yesterday’s Tribune we incorrectly reported that Laderia Russell had admitted a number of offences which was not the case. We apologise for the error.

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