By FARRAH JOHNSON
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 22-year-old, man, who was accused of possessing fraudulent Bahamian documents, was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
OcNeal Box appeared before Magistrate Sandradee Gardiner charged with two counts each of possession of forged documents and uttering the same.
The prosecution said Box attempted to present a fraudulent National Insurance Board smart card and Bahamian driver’s licence to a NIB fraud officer on June 26.
The court heard that on the day in question, Box went to the Thompson Robinson National Stadium and presented himself to NIB officials facilitating cheque distributions there. Sgt McKenzie said when Jemma Hepburn, a fraud officer for NIB, ran Box’s smart card through the system no picture came up. As a result, she asked Box if he could present additional identification to verify his identity. Box then gave Ms Hepburn a Bahamian driver’s licence.
Prosecutor Kenny Thompson said Ms Hepburn inspected both cards and suspected they were inauthentic since the photos on them were of “dull quality.” When she questioned Box, he admitted that he had bought the cards for $450 from an “unknown Caucasian male” who he was introduced to by a friend. During the hearing, Box pleaded guilty and the matter was adjourned to today for sentencing.
The defendant’s brother, Daniel Box, also appeared before Magistrate Sandradee Gardiner, charged with unlawful possession.
He was accused of being in possession of 17 gold rings, eight gold earrings, one silver earring and one gold watch, which officers suspected were stolen since he could not give a satisfactory account for how he received the items.
During his hearing, Daniel Box denied the allegation and the matter was adjourned to September 22 for trial before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt.
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