SOCU investigator testifies as Westford trial begins

May 16, 2017 News

Former Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and her former aide Ms. Margaret Cummings remained silent after allegations of forgery and attempted larceny were put to them while they were in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
This is according to Police Inspector Richard Frank, an investigator attached to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).
Inspector Frank was called to testify yesterday when the trial of Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings for alleged forgery and attempted larceny in relation to eight motor vehicles belonging to the state, commenced before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
The former minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges which alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons.
Cummings also pleaded not guilty to four charges which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She was released on a total of $1.2M bail.
Guided by Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford, Inspector Frank testified to contacting Cummings on July 29, 2015 at the CID Headquarters in the presence of her Attorney, Dexter Todd.
“I told Margaret Cummings that it is alleged that between July 18, 2014 and April 15, 2015 at Georgetown, she forged a certain document purporting to be a receipt for a purchase by Delroy Lewis for motor vehicle PFF 1780, property of the Government of Guyana.”
The policeman said that he cautioned Cummings in accordance with the judge’s rule and she remained silent.
Inspector Frank recalled that another allegation was put to Cummings, whereby it was alleged that between July 18, 2014 and April 15, 2015 at Georgetown, she forged a certain document purporting to be a receipt for purchase by Dwayne Walker for the purchase of motor vehicle PJJ 8113, property of the Government of Guyana; Gary Beaton for motor vehicles PKK 6400, PEE 6723 and PJJ 6675; and Dr. Westford for motor vehicle PJJ 3344.
According to the investigator, Dr. Westford was also contacted on July 29, 2015 at CID Headquarters in the presence of Attorney Todd, “…and I told her (Dr. Westford) that it is alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, while being employed at the Public Service Ministry, she attempted to commit larceny…in that she sought to transfer motor vehicle PJJ 3344, to herself, property of the Government of Guyana,” Inspector Frank recalled.
The witness said that another allegation was put to Dr. Westford whereby it was alleged that she attempted to commit larceny in that she sought to transfer motor vehicle PFF 1780, property of the state to Delroy Lewis; motor vehicles PJJ 8113, PKK 2175 to Dwayne Walker and motor vehicles PJJ 6675, PKK6400 and PEE 6723 to Gary Beaton.
Westford of Lot 55 ‘AA’ Victoria Avenue Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Cummings, a mother of three, of 709 Section A Diamond EBD are being represented by a team of attorneys; Rexford McKay SC, Neil Boston SC, Dexter Todd and Bettina Glasford.
The matter will continue on June 15.

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