Former Court Clerk Pleads Guilty to Forging Fine Receipts

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A former court clerk who forged fine receipts and pocketed the cash could avoid spending three years in prison if she pays restitution and fines totaling $18,000.

Cruzel Nottage didn’t go to trial and took a plea deal when she appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.

Nottage has a year to pay the money and she’s expected to make her first payment in December.

Nottage forged a  receipt to show that a $9,000 fine had been paid on March 9 in the case of Lindalee Alcenor.

 Alcenor’s family paid $5,000 towards the fine to secure her release. However, only $50 was paid into the court.

On the same date, Nottage received $350 for the release of a suspect from custody.

Nottage is further accused of forging fine payments for Jason Jacques.

He was fined $500 for violating his bail conditions on January 30.

He was ordered to pay half of the fine before he was released.

Although the receipt reflected that the $250 was paid, prosecutors say only $50 was paid. On February 7, another $250 was supposed to be paid. However, only $20 was paid.