Alvin James, Peter Robinson and Harold John have similar stories, according to prosecutors: Between March and July of 2010, Simeon Pope took their money, promising used vehicles from the Public Works Department, and never delivered.
Mr. Pope, whose trial began Tuesday in High Court, is accused of seven counts of obtaining property by deception. The Crown claims that he used his position as an employee of the PWD to deceive the men by telling them he would secure a bid on a used vehicle for cash.
“He was armed with the knowledge that no down payment was required,” Ms. Benjamin said, adding that Mr. Pope’s approach to selling the cars strayed from normal procedure.
The prosecutor laid out the Crown’s case in her opening statement, describing the similar circumstances under which each of the men handed over money to Mr. Pope, which ranged from increments of $200 to $2,800.
“They will tell you the only reason they handed over the cash is because they knew and trusted him,” she said.
Mr. Pope is representing himself in the trial.
See the March 14, 2013 edition for full coverage.