The $400-million Manchester Municipal Corporation fraud trial, which came to an end on Friday, May 15, 2020 after 11 months, resulted in the conviction of main accused 35-year-old Sanja Elliott, the corporation's former deputy superintendent of road and works; his wife, Tashagaye Elliott Goulbourne; two former employees of the corporation, David Harris, secretary/manager and acting chief executive officer; and Kendale Roberts, temporary works overseer; as well as Dwayne Sibblies, a former employee of Sanja Elliott.
The no case submission was upheld in respect of Mr Elwardo Elliott and he was discharged in relation to count 15, which charged him with the offence of facilitating the retention of criminal property.
[3] The accused persons are charged as follows:
• Sanja Ellliott is charged jointly with David Harris, Kendale Roberts, Radcliff McLean and Dwayne Sibblies for the offence conspiracy to defraud, and separately for the offences of obtaining money by means of false pretences, engaging in a transaction that involves criminal property, possession of criminal property and an act of corruption.
Several witnesses testified that Mr Sanja Elliott asked them to encash Manchester Parish Council cheques though they had not performed any work or services, and then return the proceeds to him or Dwayne Sibblies.
[5] From this criminal lifestyle, Mr Sanja Elliott acquired jointly with his wife and parents, several real estates and motor vehicles — some of which he concealed in the name of a third party, Aldane Foster.
