A female LIAT flight attendant from Dominica has been fined $10,000 in St. Vincent to be paid forthwith or spend nine months in jail on two counts of money laundering.
Media on that island identified her as Sherita Kernelle Newton, 34.
According to the reports, she was charged with bringing criminal property into St. Vincent and possession of criminal property.
Media reports indicate that on Wednesday, November 18, police conducted a search of Newton’s appartment at Beachcomers Hotel and was questioned about monies she had in her possesson.
It is reported that Newton said she had EC$12,000 but when counted the money amounted to EC$27,000.
She told police that someone in Antigua gave her the money to take to someone in St. Vincent and was paid $1,000 to do so.
She did not revealed the identities of anybody allegedly involved in the transfer.
Newton was arrested and charged following a joint investigation by Financial Intelligence and the Narcotics Units in St. Vincent.
She pleaded guilty to both charges in a Kingston court on Monday (November 24).
According to I-Witness News in St. Vincent she had not paid the fine by noon on Monday and was driven away in a unmarked police vehicle.
I-Witness News also said its sources have revealed that Newton has been transporting money in that way since 2013
Trust allu wii just waiting for an apportunity to to slander people for there mistakes…we all make mistakes.i dont condone these things but please people dont rejoice over people downfall..you can never tell what situation you fall in..i really hope for those who rejoice over people down fall hope allu backyard clean……an please leave politics out of it..really smh..
Girl God not in that one,for $1000 you lose flying free around and getting paid.You got way better salary than what we get here.Seems you wanted to live life high but you get to fat to fly high now you fall.Hope you learn why it’s always good to be clean.
It is better to fall in the hands of the living GOD than to fall in the hands of men. Young lady cry to Jesus. One thing I like u told the truth. I am not condoning what u did. Its not in my place to become judge or jury. One thing I do know that God loves u. He hates the sin but loves the sinner. Look at the life of some of the bible characters Saul God change his name to paul, David commit adultery but make a right about turn, God was with Him and took care of Him. Where ever u maybe contemplate on God’s love and goodness to u. Do not dismay what ever betide God will take care of u beneath His wings of love abide God will take care of u. Dominican I don’t want to fall in you all hands u roll people in murky and muddy waters, many of u have no mercy or compassion, if there is not an encouraging word to say to this young lady don’t post anything. Just keep back. Some of u all don’t need to say ANYTHING!!!! just look in your back yard window or door and see what is lying there, then go on your knees and ask the Good Lord to forgive u. Some of u all comments is of pure ignorance and its because u all have never left the island. You all need to do some traveling and see the outside world If u don’t have sin cast the first stone. STOP AND PRAY FOR THIS YOUNG LADY. I don’t condone what she did I just hope she reflect on her mistakes. When we are entrap by the devil it takes a fall to realize that God is there waiting to catch us with open arms.
We must indeed state, “poor woman.” It is not easy for her. She is obviously saddened, embarrassed and distressed over this. She also has her family, friends and colleagues to consider and what will they say?
Consider that she has lost her job and an income. Her reputation, for now anyway, is down the drain.
LIAT will not give her a good letter of reference. She must be considering if she will ever get another job and where.
This experience will remain with her all her life. Eventually, I hope, at least, to a certain degree, she recovers from it.
May God assist her, give her strength to cope with it and also peace of heart and mind.
Them FIU fellas had radar lock on her all di time.They just let her flap di wings for some time to get fat,then clip di wings and put bird in a cage.
There but for the Grace of God go I.
Hang in there sistren, take your punishment, dust yourself off and use this as a learning experience.
A few years ago, while at a store, I saw a small plaque and could not resist purchasing it. I love certain inspiring sayings. It reads as follows:
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
I feel sorry for her that she found herself in this situation. She is a Dominican. Therefore, a member of the government should inquire about her and ensure that she is properly treated.
my girl never plead guilty, make the court say you guilty. with two great lawyers you would have gotten away with that sooo easy . $ 20,000 thats a joke any body can have that in there possession please. am ashamed of you. if is 20 million you can plead guilty because you cannot explain that but 27,0000 give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
she should think of her great career before she go into that .when we want to much that’s what happen
Anyone can make a mistake, just rise from your mistake. praying for you! <3
woman like money is like fowl love corn……shiny eyes
sorry young lady you should have learn to play the game before you jump in and most flight attendants do that because they dont really get check by customs but that was really a sell out ting about go in hotel room huh why not at the airport first instance
Keep your head up…and learn from your mistake for God is ever with you!
I am appalled at how this woman had a great career where she got to travel for free when others have to endure the high prices LIAT charges us for a ticket for her to lose her career over a $1000 pay off. we as a society needs to live within our means. but when these young women wants to buy expansive brazillian weave and all those nice clothes just to show off when their salaries cant even pay for school fees then it is greed that brought her to doing this. there is no way you can tell me she did not know or was not a part of the whole criminal enterprise cause if she been doing this for a whole year and got caught that is good police work. she was watched for a long time and the cops just used the right opportunity to bust her. and she cant obviously tell the police who the money belongs to as these king pins have people even in prison who would hurt this woman if she spoke a word . so one must realize that.
Greed dose a lot of things to one who isn’t satisfied with their fair share
Liat needs to pay close attention, the bad guys uses people in that capacity, there might be more involve.
God be with this young lady and her family another young person driven to the wrong side but some of you all are so quick to judge the young lady… you will never know the true story.. and so much money laundering that’s happening in Dominica… and the lady saw an easy way to make cash She did it while some of you hav to open Your legs for a man you don’t Love jus for a $100. But god be with you dominicans don’t judge.the young lady What She did was wrongs but HERS IS INFRONT WHILST YOURS IS BEHIND I hope some of all you don’t have secrets eh….
First of all “nice looking attractive chick”. And what a nice looking expensive rock on her finger, maybe she should have use it for the to pay the fine. Oh maybe it”s fake as her weave. But if this was in dominca, she would be a Labour Queen, and running for a seat for paliament. And a bank name for her
Ooh stop bumping gums. Most of you would have done the samething.
Still love you cuzo
This is a lot of money to travel with. What was that amount of money to be used for? I wonder how the police found out she had that amount of money. Well, she has lost her job with LIAT. How sad. We note what money can do to people. In addition, bad company corrupts. She should be quizzed to reveal the source of all that money. She is aiding and abetting a criminal or criminals. The St. Vincent government is $27,000 richer.
Kingston is the capital of Jamaica. ( Social Studies 101). Kingstown is the capital of St. Vincent. Change to ( a Kingstown court) please.
all liat staff caring money for drug man. that happen since i was working in melvillehall
Sherita you have failed your family
I have no nice words for you or those who partake in activities like money laundering. Because others in high places are getting away with it does not give you the green light to follow suit. I know your family well and know you were NOT raised this way. Once again I say shame on you . I pray god that you will find time to reflect and make good of a bad situation by turning your life around. In the meantime, enjoy your stay at Her Majesty’s Hotel in Vincy. Just maybe LIAT will be kind enough to give you a ride home after the dust settles.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
We are human and will make mistakes losing your job for $1000 it did not worth. I hope others will learn form this. Be strong young lady ask God to walk with you at this dark moment.
Article Quote:”I-Witness News also said its sources have revealed that Newton has been transporting money in that way since 2013″
More than once is not a mistake. It was more like a habit. She knew what she was doing.
It could only be done for so long. She should have known that one day she would get caught. She took a big chance and now is caught and lost a good job. I wonder if this will affect other D/cans when they apply to LIAT for a job.
Stupid law…victimless crime. Police need to go get real criminals.
@DonK
You have absolutely no idea about the evil and criminality that the proceeds of money laundering is used to commit. Please do some research. A simple Google search should enlighten you. God Bless.
Why do you not help the police to catch them?
Did she not talk to a lawyer before she plead guilty? It is up to the prosecution to prove the source of the money was as a result of criminal activity. Unless they had other evidence to support their case, it would very likely not have resulted in a conviction.
She did not have to provide any information to the police about the whereabouts of the money.
yes you do. once you have over $10,000 in your possession and travelling, you have to account for it or face the law
Does that make sense? The fact that, as a flight attendant she had that amount of money which she reported when asked, was grounds for suspicion.
Wow! Thought money laundering is wrong, millions of dollars get transferred to Dominica’s local politics without any transparency. People take the tee-shirts, tablets, free airline tickets, pocket change etc etc without asking a single question as to where it coming from. Yet some have the gall to come online and crap on this young woman who was as to account for peanuts in comparison to the estimated 40 million dollars spent by a local political party in a country of less than 65,000 people
* correction…Though money laundering
It’s called the double standard.
Why did you have to expose UWP so?
When you play with fire you might get burned…..She got burned.
Well well well I think she must be worried after the nine months they would need there 27 000
Hope you time behind the bars will make you consider
They have kissed that money goodbye. The question is, what will happen to her when she returns to D/ca or at the point of origin where she was given that amount of money? Will they go after her for the money? Upon her return, it looks like she will have to be careful for her well-being.
hold place corrupted poor ppl always get caught big ones under cover money talks bull walks
You should not be surprised. This always happens. It is the little people who perform their dirty work and eventually get caught and punished while the big wheels are hiding; no where to be seen. Those who do their dirty work will never implicate them. Bet they are warned not to at the threat of their life.
its a game world bowdel
People short all you mouth what the girl do? Nothing trying but to make some money thats it
These are the people that transport the money for the drug dealers that kill and poison our people. I find her just as responsible. Making excuses seems to be the new public policy. Maybe if we stopped feeling sorry for criminals and started publicly holding then responsible for their actions people would think twice before breaking the law.
ask all you pm where he get that money to pay for all those tickets, to bring so many people down and all those things he giving to bribe people for their vote.
I would just like to say that the word is “SHUT”…. and not “SHORT” the 1st ones means to actually close something, whereas the 2nd is used to describe the length of something for example “he is short, she is short, they are all short, we are short”… I hope you have a good day, and understand my correction.! and remember….. ENGLISH IS A MUST!!!!!!!!!!!
. . . and proper spelling are a must.
shut
It appears you are angry that she got caught and also angry at the comments. Are you involved? Giving yourself away? You should be investigated.
Greed and Vanity, she should be held accountable.
I always say these ladies get caught up and then suffer sorry to here this my friend
Prayers go out to this young woman and her family. Its never good to see young people in such bad situations.
@Just Blaze
I am saving my prayers for the families that suffer from the crimes that are supported by the proceeds of money laundering.
She deserves prayers. She made a grave mistake. If only she knew she would not have done so and jeopardized her freedom and career of all.
People take chances. Who doesn’t one way or the other? She has found herself in a dilemma. After all is said, we must be compassionate to her.
Life is such that we do not know if we will ever find ourselves in some sort of dilemma. If not, a relative or a friend. As long as life lasts we can never say never.
she looking good eh. i guess i cant afford her. smh!
Hmmmm
No flex zone.
Well she from a small island so she is the poster child for the prevailing money laundering issue! Those in high places with the big money they refuse to touch!
she is from Baytown/ Stockfarm Yampiece
Girl you couldn’t say de fing was for you to buy nutmeg and spice? Under me I showing them I buying $27000 worth of nutmeg and spice deforce wii. I not taking jail for nobody!!!!
St. Vincent is arrowroot. She would have to wait when she lands in Grenada to buy the nutmeg and spice.
Every time this happens I will say it again there’s people reading this know what they are doing is wrong, some might be on here posting and they are doing these things and there’s always people here saying they will not be the last. It is said she’s been at this since 2013 this lady fly out nearly every day so could you imagine the money she made now I must feel sorry for her? am not rejoicing all I will say is to each his own. This goes for my family and my own kids too.
@ real possie regardless for how long, I pray that you, your kids ,neither any member of your family never ends up in a situation like this.
@ name, well no one is praying like me to make sure this never happens to my family but I also gave my reaction to them all, to each his own. I pull my kids ear everyday if they don’t listen they will feel my heart will be heavy for them I tell them every day to every action there’s a reaction, I ask them are you willing to live with the reaction? I used a rubber band once and told them to pull it they did then I let it go it stung them. So hopefully they got it what ever you choose to do in life good or bad in comes back some how.
You are correct. Some people are presumptuous. They think nothing will ever happen to them or their family or others they know. They lack maturity. We never know what lies ahead and what is in store for us. As we grow older we should never be complacent. The innocent could also get caught in some turmoil when they least expect it. I visualize this is how it commenced with this Dominican.
Dominicans is the worst. Whilst I don’t condone what the young lady did I also know when your neighbour’s house is in fire you wet yours. Shame on those of you who think you are holier than thou. Just because her sin is different than ours doesn’t mean we’re not all sinners chhhaaa man. Some of you”ll skeletons worse than hers my girl dust yourself up ask the Father for forgiveness learn from that and move on
@ laborinvain. That is so true ,I want to add by saying negative talk from all four corners will be blasting please don’t listen to them, we all have skelton in the closet we all fall short by the glory of GOD, none of us are in the position to judge you. God is good he will get u through.
What is wrong with you? They are only providing their comments. What is wrong with that? Why be sensitive about this? Do you not do likewise for other articles?
get rich or die trying
Why is it a shame on Dominica .Dominica is not responsible for every citizen she should know better she is 34 years old she did wrong and we are all entitled to make one mistake. Try and move forward.
She is my little cousin. Beautifu person. Too kind to say no.people don’t take anything from anywhere to anyone
Young lady you failed to used your own discretion, the risked you taken wasn’t even for your own fortune, shame at you.
There’s some people failed to used their own discretion, the risked she taken not even for her own fortune shame at you girl.
We have all sin and come short of the glory of God. It is rather unfortunate but thank God it did not happen in Puerto Rico. The sad thing is, you are a beautiful woman and looking at your fingers it would appear that you are a married woman. How did you allowed yourself to fall for one of those criminal minds – is it that LIAT is not paying you enough? It is almost a given that LIAT, if they have not done so yet, will certainly terminate you.
I pray that you are able to pay the fine and return to Dominica and maybe someone will find it fitting to entrust and forgive you by offering you gainful employment and second chance at life. Good luck!
Would you employ a convict at your business place? How can you talk about trust so soon after her conviction. She has to earn that trust. But that takes time.
This is what Society is looking at Worldwide, Restoritive Justice. Giving the Offender,a second chance, if you do not give them a chance to re-enter Society and find gainfull employment,you end up with a reoffender…
I would think that she did not steal the money but was only transporting it which was a grave mistake on her part. Everyone deserves a second chance and she may just get it elsewhere.
This story and this Young Lady’s Picture is plastered all over the various Caribbean News outlets.I don’t know her but I am so embarrassed for her…
My dear young lady, I am terribly sorry for the predicament you find yourself in. My heart goes out to you and your family and I hope that when all this over that you come out on the other end a better, wiser and stronger person.
Alas! the lure of easy money is the reason for the downfall of many. I don’t know your situation or why you decided to make such poor choices so I definitely cannot pass judgement because I simply have no right to do so. Some will criticize and vilify; please pay no attention to them. Mistakes will be made by all, but only a few will learn from their mistakes. Be counted among the few and smart ones who learn from past mistakes. I wish you strength on your journey.
Who said she made a mistake? She took a calculated risk and it eventually backfired.
If she made a mistake in 2013 and she continued to make it well into 2014 not realizing it is a mistake, she is anything but smart.
It is not that complicated. Her income at LIAT is likely not that great. Some of these people in the airline business think they have to create an impression of prosperity (on a small salary). So someone comes along and offers her an opportunity to increase her income convincing her that the risk is minimal.
She jumps at the opportunity. She does it for a while and nothing untoward happens. As time goes by and nothing happens, she worries less about the consequences. It then becomes normal for her until she gets busted.
That was no mistake.
This news will probably be in the ethnic – Caribbean newspapers in Toronto this weekendl in fact all over Canada. I usually read those papers.
There is also a Radio Station which broadcasts Caribbean News nightly and also at weekends. I am certain this news will also be mentioned and probably including on a certain ethnic TV Station.
; in fact
What is “criminal property”
Criminal property: property which is, or represents, a person’s benefit from criminal conduct, where the alleged offender knows or suspects that it is such.
See more at http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/advice/practice-notes/aml/anti-money-laundering-glossary/#sthash.nxjsKHq8.dpuf
It is simple. We do not have to be philosophical about it. Money and material items; possession of others obtained by crimes. This is stealing the property of others and trafficking in illegal drugs.
It’s interesting that she did not have a plausible fabricated story to offer to the authorities. You into your transportation of sums of monies in excess of EC$10,000, and you don’t have an explanation/story to try to cover your tracks?!
Even for $10,000 one should have an explanation. So what are travelers and a flight attendant doing with that amount on them? What do they plan to purchase with it or do with it? They must have a good explanation for that. I do not think one can cover their tracks with that type of money unless they are probably a tourist.
Generally, people do not travel with that amount of money. They utilize their credit card, an ATM bank card or money order. It would have been difficult for her to explain the reason she had such an amount. Even though she had an explanation would she be believed since she is a flight attendant?
She is from the village of San Sauveur
And what does that have to do with the price of rice in China? Coming on here and publicizing what village she is from makes you sleep better tonight after you have eaten your 5 course dinner? Oh! excuse me…Here is your grand reward for your wonderful piece of information. Sheesh!
I mean I want to know where she is from, but come on oh shoots man
Because they hiding things in the wig. ROTFL
Well well all I no people can make mistakes so don’t go bashing on her today is hers tomorrow who so its life after all
They should have given her 9yrs unless she revealed the identity of the persons, then reduce it to 9 month
Sherita you’re still a good person. Many of us would do it too.
correct
Yes she is
It is sad that she found herself in that situation. She must have known the people who gave her that amount of money. She could not refuse them.
what part of dominica is she from ?
sad indeed
That’s what happen when they want to live above there means I know the young lady I see her
My Dear
It’s never worth it! Even if you had been paid $100,000! What is it worth you now with your reputation in shreds and the distrust which you may have brought on all your other colleagues because the other Stewardesses are now going to be viewed with suspicion, consciously or unconsciously, by passengers as well as management.
We have to learn those good old values of living within our means and working hard for our living. We also have to learn that anything that we can live without is worth waiting for until we can afford it. Parents, those are still good values. Help your children to learn them.
I’m not sitting in judgement on you young lady, but even if it means being unpopular, you have to tell people no when they ask you to do questionable things. There is so much information around these days even from the airlines themselves, warning passengers not to take packages from other people etc. Why would you fall for this? particularly when you are being offered money to carry it. That should have raised a red flag! So sorry my dear!
Very good advice. This is the advice I received growing up and it has remained with me.
i doe believe is nobody in antigua da give her nothing..if since early 2013 she doing it den da is organized ting lol..she just got played by the game..nothing but a pawn while the king well viving somewhere not giving a
is all you that sell out the girl, as I said there is a disease running in Dominica and it is contagious, it can kill it can send you in prison label , stigma or they can rue your career and lower your self esteem, this disease is call jealousy and back biting
Shame on Dominica.
Shame on her not on DA… As the saying goes….sometimes when you play with fire you might get burned….In this case, she got burned.
What do you mean shame on Dominica? She is only one person. She is not the country of Dominica. This has no bearing on Dominica. She did not even work in Dominica.
Does D/ca not have criminals, some of whom are in prison? You never said shame on Dominica. Why now?
Her family will probably feel ashamed. This will have a reflection on LIAT and the flight attendants.
Another mule, it’s sad that its always the mules going down for these things while the bigger boss sit on his high throne. Women please learn it’s never worth it in the end for a lil additional money.
well d mule must learn to talk, stop takin jail for the big boys, coz they remain out there and put others lives at risk
So they catch her! She knew she would be caught someday…Ninety Nine days for the crook and one day and i say one dayyyyy for de POLICE, anyway there is another to take her place…Smh
So by the way, LIAT took off without her…
You expected LIAT to wait for her?
From now on she has to find herself back to her point of destination, probably Dominica after her stint in prison.
*******************TRANSPORTER IN DISGUISE****************
“She told police that someone in Antigua gave her the money to take to someone in St. Vincent and was paid $1,000 to do so”.
I-Witness News also said its sources have revealed that Newton has been transporting money in that way since 2013
………………………………………………….
I suspect she knew something was shady, yet she continued to do it!! Can’t say you did not know!! Her client will NOT use any form of electronic transfer because………………… that would be traceable!
Then came the…………………………. “Transporter” !!
Hope you were saving so you can use the money to pay your new legal obligation!!!
What legal obligation? she pled guilty.
How comes women who launder money, carry drugs or embezzle always wearing wigs nah?
In the wig the hiding it…
Yes she is
Yes she is my cuzo its ok