ST JAMES, Jamaica – A woman accused of stealing over $140,000 from her employer began making payments towards her restitution at a hearing in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Elaine Baker, who hails from the parish, has been charged with embezzlement.

According to court records, Baker was employed by the complainant to work at a bar.

Between March 1 to March 21, she removed money from the till amounting to $147,000 for her personal gain.

When confronted by the complainant, she confessed to taking the money.

The court was further told on Wednesday that there was an out-of-court agreement to repay the money, but that it was not followed through on, resulting in the matter being reported to the police.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Baker told the court that she had $15,000 to begin restitution payments.

The case was temporarily adjourned to allow the parties to participate in a mediation session with a mediator in court.

When the matter was revisited, the court was informed that Baker had agreed to pay $62,500 by September 30.

Presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley then extended Baker’s bail until October 2 when she will confirm whether the $62,500 was paid.