It took a court clerk about 25 minutes to read through an indictment

against Henrietta Christine Stapleton during the beginning of her trial in High Court Tuesday: She faces 47 counts of theft.

Ms. Stapleton, who is accused of embezzling more than $50,000 from a large group of senior citizens, pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is representing herself during a trial that is expected to last six days.

“She has decided to act for herself,” Senior Crown Counsel Christilyn Benjamin said during her opening statement to the jury. “So you should respect that, and not feel any sympathy toward her.”

The Crown, according to prosecutors, plans to call nine witnesses.

 

See the June 28, 2012 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}