A vigilant bank employee’s suspicion, triggered by unusual withdrawals, led to the exposure of a $155,000 fraud perpetrated against a deceased woman, the No. 4A Supreme Court heard.
Eileen Veronica Smith, 74, has pleaded guilty to fraud and theft charges in connection with the case.
Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis presented the compelling evidence before Acting Justice Donna Babb-Agard, detailing how Smith forged four cheques totaling $155,000 from her late aunt Augustina Gregor’s First Caribbean account. Smith also admitted to stealing $30,500 from Butterfield Bank Barbados Limited.
The court learned that Smith, residing in Mapp Hill, St. Michael and formerly of Horse Hill, St. Joseph, systematically transferred funds from her aunt’s account into her own savings at Butterfield Bank. These transfers were followed by substantial withdrawals of $60,000, $25,000, $30,000, and $40,000.
The fraud unraveled when it was drawn to the attention of a bank manager at First Caribbean that there was a discrepancy in the signature on a cheque deposited by Smith. Despite attempts to contact Gregor, the bank was unable to reach her. Further suspicion arose when an attempt was made to authorize a $90,000 withdrawal using a power of attorney form. The manager, observing the pattern of large withdrawals and the inconsistent signatures, immediately froze the account and alerted the police.
The gravity of the situation became clear when Gregor’s obituary was seen in the newspaper, confirming her death on August 21, 2020. This revelation highlighted the fact that the fraudulent activities occurred after Gregor’s passing.
A subsequent police search of Smith’s residence yielded two of Gregor’s chequebooks, both missing cheques. During questioning, Smith declined to provide a statement and repeatedly responded, “I don’t want to reply.”
Defence lawyer Rasheed Belgrave requested a pre-sentence report and asked that Smith remain on bail. Justice Babb-Agard adjourned the case until May 23 for sentencing submission.