A 33-year-old mixologist from Linden was released on $150,000 bail on Friday after appearing in court to answer a fraud charge involving the alleged conversion of over $1 million in entrusted gold jewellery.
Joel Waldron, of Lot 104 Victory Valley, Linden, stood before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
He is accused of dishonestly converting three pieces of gold jewellery – a gold band valued at $470,000 and two wedding rings worth $558,000 -entrusted to him by Mark Lewis on May 23, 2025, at Robb Street, Georgetown.
The total value of the jewellery is $1,028,000.
The charge was initially filed as an indictable offence, but at Friday’s hearing, the prosecution requested a summary trial. Waldron consented, and the matter proceeded to the magistrate’s court, where he entered a not-guilty plea.
During the hearing, Magistrate Singh inquired whether both parties were open to resolving the matter outside of court. However, the virtual complainant, Mark Lewis, firmly rejected any possibility of a settlement.
Waldron also indicated his intention to move forward with a full trial.
The prosecution did not object to bail, and the magistrate subsequently released Waldron on $150,000 bail. He is expected to return to court on July 11, 2025, for the disclosure of evidence.
