Woman dragged before court for reportedly stealing wig from vendor
ST JAMES, Jamaica – A woman was dragged before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday after reportedly stealing a wig from a vendor who she claimed owed her money for the repair of her motor car.
Latoya Owens appeared before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley, charged with simple larceny.
According to court records, on February 15, about 8:20 pm, the complainant was selling hair and hair-related products in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay when Owens confronted her and asked, “Yuh naah give mi mi $6,000 to fix mi vehicle?”
The complainant reportedly then informed her that she was not aware of this agreement.
A quarrel allegedly ensued between the two women, and Owens reportedly grabbed a wig, valued at $50,000, from among the complainant’s displayed items.
The complainant subsequently made a report to the police and Owens was arrested and charged.
Under caution, Owens stated that the vendor damaged her car but did not follow through on her promise to pay for the repairs.
“Officer, she reverse inna mi car and we had a discussion from February 13 to get it checked, and I tell her what is the cost … Yesterday was Valentine’s Day so this morning mi go link the body man…Him check it and say it was $6,000…. this evening I tell her sey the body man said is $6,000 to fix the damage, she a go tell me say she nuh lick my vehicle and mek it gwaan at insurance, so mi vex and grab up the wig,” the accused woman told the police.
“Where is the wig today?…. you have it?” Judge Smith-Ashley asked Owens.
“The police have it,” Owens replied.
Following that, the case was briefly stood down so that contact could be made with the complainant, who was not present in court, to explore the option of mediation to resolve the issue between the women.
The complainant did not show up, so the case was rescheduled for April 5, in order to give them the opportunity to participate in mediation talks.
Owens’ bail was extended.