ST Ann’s Bay Mayor Ivan Anderson was this morning charged with fraud and brought in on a warrant to the St Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court, where he was offered bail.

Senior Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tai offered Anderson bail in the sum of $500,000 with one or two sureties. He was also ordered to give his prints to the police and surrender his travel documents.

Anderson, who took leave from his mayoral duties last week, was charged in relation to a fraud involving a real estate transaction.

The charge stems from a real estate deal in which it is alleged that Anderson sold a parcel of land in Manchester for $8 million on behalf of a relative who was living abroad at the time of the sale, and failed to turn over a sum of $5 million in August.

The matter was reported to the Brown’s Town police and after an investigation a file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a ruling. Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn ruled afterwards that Anderson be charged with fraud.

He is to return to court on February 1.

Anderson is being represented by attorney Ernest Smith.

Last week Anderson said that though he is innocent, he would take leave as mayor and from other positions in the Opposition People’s National Party, pending the outcome of the matter.

Related story:Mayor takes leave to fight alleged fraud charge