A taxi operator was fined $1,200 by Magistrate Christopher Birch today, after he admitted that he dishonestly assisted in retaining 500 pounds of sweet potatoes sometime between January 24 and 26 this year, knowing or believing them to be stolen.
The produce belonged to Armag Farms.
Michael Anderson Forde, of #47 Gullyfield Avenue, Bayville, St. Michael must pay the fine within three months or serve a similar time in jail.
Forde told the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court that he never knew the items were stolen. He said he got a call around 11 p.m. from a man who asked him to transport somewhere and he did so.
Forde said he therefore transported the man and five bags of potatoes, without the knowledge that the potatoes were stolen.