Politician charged with larceny

A politician was yesterday granted bail when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court for larceny charges.

Marvin Clarke, from St Thomas, pleaded not guilty to malicious destruction of property and larceny by trick.

It is alleged that in June 2019, the complainant wanted to sell her 2014 Kia motor car and asked Clarke, who was employed to the company from which she bought the car, to assist. The car was valued at $1.8 million.

Clarke has reportedly had possession of the vehicle since then. It is alleged that he was driving the vehicle, claiming that his personal car was damaged. The complainant asked Clarke for the car but he kept making excuses as to why he could not hand it over. It is reported that the car was damaged while in his possession and it is also alleged that he had tampered with the mileage.

The complainant finally decided to report the matter to the police this year. The court heard that the police contacted the accused and told him to turn over the vehicle. He was arrested on November 19.

Clarke's attorney, Christopher Townsend, made a bail application and told the court that his client and the complainant have been in communication for the past two years. He said his client returned the car on the instructions of the police.

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague then offered $400,000 bail with at least two sureties. He was ordered to report to the police once a week, and surrender his travel documents. A stop order was made and Clarke was also ordered to have no contact or communication with the complainant. A fingerprint order was made and Clarke is expected to return to court February 3.