Marketing officer pleads not guilty to deception charges 

By Admin. Updated 5:10 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

A 40-year-old marketing officer has pleaded not guilty to two charges of deception involving a total of EC$114,000.

Tristan Lavia, of Enhams, entered the pleas when he appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 8.

According to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Lavia is accused of dishonestly obtaining EC$29,000 in cash from a 26-year-old police officer of Cane End and EC$85,000 from a 51-year-old senior education officer.

The alleged offences occurred in Kingstown on March 13 and May 15, 2026, respectively. Police allege that, in both instances, Lavia obtained the money with the intention of permanently depriving the complainants of it.

Following his court appearance, Lavia was granted bail in the sum of EC$45,000, with two sureties.

The court also ordered him to have no contact with the complainants, surrender all travel documents and report to the Central Police Station every Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Stop notices were also placed at all ports of entry and exit.

The matter involving the alleged EC$85,000 was adjourned to June 13, 2027, while the case involving EC$29,000 was adjourned to June 21, 2027.

Lavia has denied both charges. The allegations have not been proven in court.