KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 40-year-old phone technician was granted $500,000 bail after appearing in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, facing charges of unlawful possession of property.

Richardo Willis was arrested after he could not account for 68 phones, four iPods and other devices which were discovered at his home during a search of the premises.

Appearing before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, Willis’ attorney argued that the police had only questioned his client about one specific phone, emphasising that he has been a phone technician since 2013.

Judge Burrell inquired if a thorough investigation had been carried out and whether any receipt books or records had been found to justify the charges. The investigating officer responded that Willis was given plenty of time to provide proof of ownership for the devices but failed to do so.

His attorney then requested bail which was granted at $500,000 with two sureties.

Willis is scheduled to return to court on March 12.
— Carlysia Ramdeen