‘Teen thief’ caught in sting operation set up by victim; mom dies after hearing news of arrest
The victim of a robbery on South Camp Road in Kingston set up a sting operation to recover her stolen Nintendo Switch gaming console and put the alleged perpetrator behind bars.
Anthony McKenzie, 19, was arrested and charged with robbery with aggravation. On Tuesday, he stood before presiding judge at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish, Lori-Ann Cole-Montague, as his attorney pleaded for bail to be offered to him.
According to the prosecution’s file, on March 30, the complainant allegedly met McKenzie and another man on South Camp Road to sell him a Nintendo Switch. However, after being handed the item, the accused reportedly turned out his pockets and said, “honestly, a rob we a rob yuh.” The men then ran off with the item.
The value of the game was not revealed in court.
However, after the complainant saw the Nintendo Switch being advertised on Facebook Marketplace, she created a fake account and sent a message detailing that she would like to purchase the item, and they should meet at the police station.
After seeing McKenzie, she identified him to the police as one of the men who robbed her and his bag was searched and the game recovered.
After being arrested, McKenzie reportedly said to the police, “A someone give me it fi sell.”
During the bail application, McKenzie’s attorney told judge Cole-Montague that his client is a subcontractor for a local internet provider, and he has been in custody since April 2.
“When his mother realised that he was arrested, she passed that same day,” the attorney said.
The lawyer added that his client does not have any previous conviction.
“I intend to offer Mr McKenzie bail,” the judge said.
McKenzie was given bail in the sum of $250,000, with one to two surety. He was ordered to surrender all travel documents, and a stop order be placed at all ports. He was also ordered to report to the nearest police station on Wednesdays.
“It is quite unfortunate that on hearing of his predicament his mother passed the same day… and that’s a hard thing for anyone to have to live with for the rest of your life,” the judge said.
Additionally, the Crown indicated that the complainant doesn’t wish to continue with the matter, however, she just wants the item back. This prompted the prosecutor to set a further date, which will allow him to get a statement from the complainant indicating her position on the matter.
The matter was adjourned until June 5.