Dian Samuel-Laronde walks free

Dian Samuel-Laronde
Dian Samuel-Laronde

A Trafalgar woman, who in June 2013 was arrested and bailed in the sum of $75,000 with one surety on a charge of theft, is now a free woman.

Dian Samuel-Laronde was accused of stealing $52,640.44 from Lindo Park Services in Goodwill, where she worked as an administrative assistant.

When the matter came up in court on September 24, 2013, Marriette Warrington, a representative of the company, took the witness stand and under oath told the court that “they (the company) were no longer interested in the matter and that they were not threatened, bribed or anything of that nature and were doing so through their own free will.”

As a result, the prosecution told the court that they were not offering any evidence in the case.

“The prosecution is not offering any evidence in that matter and so the matter against you is dismissed for want of prosecution … you are free to go,” the magistrate told Samuel-Laronde.

She was represented in the matter by lawyer Bernadette Lambert from the law firm of Norde & Lambert Chambers.

Samuel-Larond’s travel documents, which were taken from her as bail conditions while she faced the charge, were returned to her.

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109 Comments

  1. feeling
    September 27, 2013

    am happy that the company has accept the settlement.
    right now my girl need to thank god for that.

  2. cc
    September 27, 2013

    dno need to change the topic. but my friend go and eflect of what happen. change your life and stop gossiping about people

  3. Big Stupes
    September 25, 2013

    Anyway sorry but the comments to this story sound very roracious. The same people commenting over and over and trashing each other.. Most likely because they have taken their personal beef to DNO. Sickening.

  4. ()
    September 25, 2013

    VOTE THEM DA- greedies out.They don’t know what they are doing,because of greediness. LINTON FOR PM.

  5. September 25, 2013

    Hello and good afternoon my people. Well one of two things occurred, the company was reimburse for the full amount they said was stolen or they conducted a audit of their books and they found out the money wasn’t stolen. Now this case took a lot of investigative hours from our Police Investigators therefore since the company said they don’t want to proceed with the prosecution of this case then they should reimburse the Police and the Court for time spent investigating this case. The Court should also make them disclosed why they don’t want to proceed since they filed the complaint in that way we will protect the tax payers from a lawsuit for false arrest against our Officers.

    • DC
      September 26, 2013

      Her lawyer indicated it was settled out of court hence the reason why the case was dismissed.

      • September 26, 2013

        DC.

        Hello his Lawyer indicated but he didn’t say how the parties came to an out of Court settlement. A case refers to a proceeding within the Criminal Justice Syster wether its a Civil or a Criminal matter. Also remember you will never get the truth out of a defendant once a lawyer is involved. A lawyer can’t tell a defendant to lie to the court but they can suggest to their client the best way to answer questions and to beat the charges. Our Police Officers must protect themselves from a false arrest civil lawsuit.

      • September 26, 2013

        Hi. I meant ‘Her Lawyer’.

  6. van
    September 25, 2013

    What happened to the missing money?

    • DTL
      September 26, 2013

      Clothes, shoes, travel, jewelry n sewo!

      • September 26, 2013

        mind your business

  7. expatriot
    September 25, 2013

    Well, not that she is wearing the label, the only hope she has is to leave the island, because the island will not leave her alone.

  8. DNO
    September 25, 2013

    DNO you must report properly. She does not walk away free. Obviously the young lady settled her matter out of court. You really believe Lindo park services will lose 50,000 and allow this young lady to go free. She had to pay every last cent she owed them. They settled out of court. Simple as that. Stop sending mixed signals to the readers! Change your headline.

  9. Weh lay lay lay pam
    September 25, 2013

    Another reason y crime will continue to increase in Dominica. PPl are just getting away with too crimes!

  10. DC
    September 24, 2013

    DNO, you are telling a fib. You have my email address and full name. I have emailed you expressing my dissatisfaction with your moderation process. My full name, email address and handle were included in each email. There are malicious people out there, who can use an existing
    handle to cause damage. Let us be more detail oriented.

  11. Justice and Truth
    September 24, 2013

    Now that the case is over and you have walked free, it must be a relief for you. It was not stated if you will be reinstated with salary recompense. Nevertheless, we recognize that it is a private matter between you and the company. Life has to go on. I wish you well. God’s blessing.

  12. Nomination committe
    September 24, 2013

    Why do the DPP’s office discriminate against Inspector Corbette when the complainant refused to give evidence, they are hell bent on persecuting him to please their detractors.

    That is too unfair

  13. kim
    September 24, 2013

    so how all you know is a deal they cut with the girl? all you dominicans always know,so what if they had no evidence on the girl?

  14. One Love
    September 24, 2013

    THE WOMAN IS INNOCENT – SHUCKS MAN crabs in a barrel

    • babalene
      September 24, 2013

      I think it is erroneous reporting by the news reporter and DNO should seek clarification as to what relly transpired in the courts.from what I have heard the court was informed that she paid the money back and therefore the company was no longer interested in continuing the case – what would have been the interest to them if they had continued- more postponements, more legal fees; more time wasting up and down the court room; however the state could have made the choice to continue criminal proceedings however there was nothing stopping the police from doing so.however they opted not to continue with the charges inspite of the fact that the Lady had already confessed to the crime and the taking of the money; and yes there were checques and othermeans to prove so without a doubt- the police choose not to – now if that makes her innocent – then what can I say but to blame it on the rain!

  15. le
    September 24, 2013

    The company is no longer interested in the matter you are free to go sound strange. I think a settlement was done out of court. She is very lucky she got a second chance. I hope she learns a lesson don’t let people things burn your eyes.

    • One Love
      September 24, 2013

      I think a settlement was done out of court. She is very lucky she got a second chance. I hope she learns a lesson don’t let people things burn your eyes.

      DNO – isn’t this comment insinuating that she is guilty?

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      You think, you think. You do not know what really occurred, if she is guilty or not. Therefore, why should you state about her learning a lesson…? It does not make sense.

  16. September 24, 2013

    So it happening der nah” de judge shud charge de company for wasting de court time.

    • Anonymous
      September 24, 2013

      Yah u kno de sin already wii I will hve make dem pay me to !

  17. Doc. Love
    September 24, 2013

    Many man hours were used to investigate and place the case before the courts. Therefore, the company should be charged and asked to pay some form of compensation for wasting the courts and police time.

    • BEB
      September 24, 2013

      When court matters wait so long before it is being disposed off at the court, the people involved tend to loose interest in the matter and during that time monies are being passed under the table so what you expect. Swift action is required

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      Did you ever give it a thought that the company’s lawyer could have written to the Court? I do not think it was a simple matter of telling her she is free to go. This was just a formality. There could have been previous consultation and decision. You will never know the truth.

  18. Uh huh?
    September 24, 2013

    Si il pas n’y souteweh, il pas n’y voleur

  19. prophet
    September 24, 2013

    I think the court should charge the company for wasting their time.

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      What do you know?

  20. hmmmm
    September 24, 2013

    I hope you make the best of the second chance you were given and not do it again like others before you.

    I don’t know why some people can’t see and don’t touch. God always provides right on time. You just got to have faith.

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      You are accusing her and judging her when you know absolutely nothing about this case and the end result of it.

    • ????????
      September 25, 2013

      hmmmmmmm judging again without proof. The truth will come out one of this days. Stop judging the girl. Wish the case had gone on and all you would hear.

    • nel
      September 25, 2013

      everybody is innocent untill proven guilty. u are very judgemental. maybe they had no case did you consider that?

  21. DC
    September 24, 2013

    Please note that the handler posting under DC is not the original DC. Someone has chosen to use my handle. I am appalled.

  22. not against
    September 24, 2013

    That’s the same thing that happened in the case of inspector Corbett the guy said that he was no longer interested in the matter. Yet the dpp insist that they want to prosecute the inspector. Why is it good for some and not others? Why the double standard. Don’t worry inspector you will get justice and you will get your job and all the money they owe you. Time longer than twine.

    • Anonymous
      September 24, 2013

      That’s how the system should work. As long as the victim or complainant has stated that he/she is no longer interested in the case that should be the end of the matter. You need the complainant to prove your case.

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      They must take it up with the Court. If the supposedly victim does not want to pursue it, the case against Inspector Corbett should be quashed.

  23. BornFree
    September 24, 2013

    DNO Are you certain this photo is the image of Anonymous?

  24. Ferbreze
    September 24, 2013

    the legal system is who you know and who you rolling with.

    we are going to see a lot more of these cases go down the drain.

  25. Shameless
    September 24, 2013

    Well young lady GOD had mercy on you. we all hope that you hae learnt your lesson so no need for rejoicing. At least, it “appears” as if you paid the money back so kudos to you because money stolen from our treasury through borbol is yet to be ENTIRELY paid back. If I were you I would go to a church and thank the good lord for his tender mercies because with the level of evidence that law enforcement has in this matter you were facing some serious time in stocky….possibly as some lady’s wifey. For your sanity I would highly suggest you leave the country in search of opportunities because Dcans dont forget people “accused” of voleuring. But “Change Must Come” and hopefully this will be soon.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      Was it proven that she did in fact steal the money? Some of you love to jump to conclusions which may not be true.

    • Ms Kubuli
      September 25, 2013

      Well said. (LOL @ “serious time in sticky, possibly as some lady’s wifey”…good one)

    • ????????
      September 25, 2013

      Did you see her pay the money back? She could not have paid what she did not take. You are so assertive and not aggressive. We like to jump to conclusions without facts. She shouldn’t go anywhere for no kind of opportunities. She did not take any money. They had to take this decision to protect their own self.

  26. Lang Zor
    September 24, 2013

    A good Character is to be desired than nice clothes.

  27. Real World
    September 24, 2013

    Allu money the woman take nuh? if the company dealing with it out of court shut allu mouth. Allu praising a government that chewing allu money and allu will still vote for them, allu that giving them power, they voleying allu and allu not doing nothing. Shut up and mind allu business.

    • Roseau-Cental Passe
      September 25, 2013

      No it’s not our money, but it’s a public matter, in the public court and so it’s open to discussion. Nobody got her in that mess but she herself. Too bad if you are ashame.

    • POSITIVE
      September 25, 2013

      haha you vex man

    • Anonymous
      September 25, 2013

      Real world you sound upset at your self cool down and go get a glass of water if you can afford it! Guess you must be her sister brother husband or that little meg woman that follows her with a piece of hair covering her long head.

  28. Lang Zor
    September 24, 2013

    DNO standing by with their big eraser. Go ahead, make my day.

  29. Lang Zor
    September 24, 2013

    Dominica? Best place to commit a crime. Under the table money welcome like American Express. Don’t do crime without it.

  30. Jimi Hendrix
    September 24, 2013

    She was not conviced, therefore we cannot say with certainty that she is guilty. But this one does not pass the smell test.

    It appears to me that bad behaviour is allowed to get a free pass.

  31. September 24, 2013

    Why put a person through such form of distress and to turn around and simply say; “We are no longer interested in the matter” Not interested in over $50 000.00 of your money that went missing?

    You are not saying that the person (Dian) did not do the crime, that still leaves her name tarnished by the treatment of arrest and custody time in the hands of the authority of the law; it would have broken down her self esteem–and that is nor fair to her.

    • ????????
      September 25, 2013

      She will come thru. The Lord says vengeance is mine. You know some of our people do not like to see people prosper. If you dress nicely or do have a little car for example or you always clean, they have that envious/jealousy attitude towards you and they are wishing that something dreadful would happen to you. I know that God will see her through. I know that she is stronger than before.

  32. Real ting
    September 24, 2013

    I smell a big fat rat!!!! Who will guard the guards.?????

  33. Friend
    September 24, 2013

    Your whatsapp status says “..God will see me through it all”…he did..So please ask him to help you to be nice to people and ask all your friends to forgive you and start a fresh!

    • Anonymous
      September 25, 2013

      The only person she needs right now is GOD.

  34. hmmm
    September 24, 2013

    Dian Tamara Samuel-Laronde
    May 25 via BlackBerry Smartphones App
    We all make bad choices in life, the biggest step is accepting your mistake and moving forward to the right path, only god can judge me…

    • Real World
      September 24, 2013

      Alllu does really hold people on heart. Jah can forgive but allu holding status messages 4 months? hahaha

    • Shorty
      September 24, 2013

      So u really gonna take a status and post it on DNO..Really? You people are so stupid and ignorant..

    • DC
      September 24, 2013

      Why are you using my handle?

    • 2 CuTe
      September 24, 2013

      at least she admit she was wrong

  35. September 24, 2013

    Wonder if the accused really stole the money, the alleged victim did lose any money, or both.

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      From the beginning I gave it a thought and had written that she may not have stolen the money. Someone else could have stolen it and placed the blame on her. We must give her the benefit of the doubt.

    • ????????
      September 25, 2013

      Right on cue Curious. Who don’t know don’t and who know know!

  36. DOMINICAN GIRL
    September 24, 2013

    seems strange plp just don’t 4 get about that amount of money

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      This is why ask yourself, “Did she really steal that amount of money?”

  37. Anonymous
    September 24, 2013

    :mrgreen: Boy some bloggers idiotic we. Where in the story that say she innocent? If the employer get the money back or she ask for forgiveness or they figure the publicity is enough revenge they can dismiss the case because it will take time and cost them to waste a lot of time anyway. How does that say innocent? Sort

    • DC
      September 24, 2013

      Why are you such a follower? DNO why would you allow someone else to use this handle? I am not a Facebook follower, I have no interest in this thread. Shame on you DNO.

      ADMIN: How do you expect us to know who is who? You sent us absolutely no information on who you are. You comment discreetly like everybody else and you expect us to know one from the next? No one has a monopoly on handles. No one buys or reserves handles for their use only.

    • 2 CuTe
      September 24, 2013

      Some people just lack basic intelligence …

  38. TR massive
    September 24, 2013

    Poor girl! They really felt sorry for you. The lawyer was literally down on her knees. I hope you reflect oncac ur actions . u were given a second chance…use it wisely.

  39. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 24, 2013

    Is seems to be more a case of “Company forgives former employee” than “walks free.” Reading the headline gives the impression that she was found not guilty by the court. Like Dr. A’s case, the matter was not tried on its merits.

    In the end, however, a good outcome for all parties and the society at large. The system of justice should encourage more of that type of amicable resolution of conflicts based on proper case management and mediation practices.

    Good luck to all parties. May the appropriate lessons be learnt.

    Respectfully
    Roseau valley

    • Really!
      September 24, 2013

      I hope if someone steals a large sum of money from you, you dont have the police try to prosecute them and you just forgive them and work on an amicable resolution.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 24, 2013

        This is a matter for the two parties to decide on a case by case basis. Hence, the reason and benefit of mediation and such amicable resolution techniques. Moreover, it has been proven worldwide that this puts much less pressure on the limited resources of the formal judicial system and expedite matters before the court. Do you know that in the US, only about 3%of cases actually go to trail? There are plea-bargains and deals in 95-97% of cases.

        Respectfully
        Roseau Valley

    • Jimi Hendrix
      September 24, 2013

      In strick monetary terms the company has done what is in its best interest since if they were to sue her in civil court, they company may or may not have recovered its money. But when there is evidence that a crime has been committed, the state has an obligation to see that the perpertators are punished. It should be taken out of the hand of the complainant. It should be the State vs Jane Doe.

      We cannotg condone wrongdoing so that the accused thinks that if they do not get away with a crime, the worse they will face is paying back the money or property stolen.

    • Loveliness
      September 24, 2013

      I normally agree with a lot of your comments, but on this one.. no way. This is not a civil case.. it’s a criminal case brought by the state. Do you nthink that it’s right for sexual offenders, robbers, thieves, murderers to walk free because the virtual complainant has a change of heart.. Come on ROSEAU VALLEY.. YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!!!

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 24, 2013

        You have a point Loveliness. I do understand. However, like a case of rape-where the victim is not willing to cooperate with the prosecution, it becomes difficult for the prosecution. But I do see your point, that with or without the cooperation of the victim, the state’s case could still be successful prosecuted if the investigation was so skillfully and professionally conducted to produce quality, adequate and relevant evidence to support the prosecution. In the final analysis, this is a matter for the prosecution, the parties and the court to consider what is best under the circumstances and ensure that justice is best served.

        Respectfully
        Roseau Valley

  40. grell
    September 24, 2013

    corrupt country its who you know,dominica justice system has a price to pay,this country is being run by evil people.your days are coming.

  41. Concern citizen
    September 24, 2013

    Something not right!!!! The damaged has already been done. Will be getting her job back? Or some form of compensation.

  42. Girly
    September 24, 2013

    So seeing the case was dropped,is she getting her job back?

  43. Anonymous
    September 24, 2013

    this sounds like corruption . something is definitely wrong there, can a company tarnish your good name so and at the end just wake away .I think the accused made a deal with the company .The company however cant say that in the court so they pretend to have felt sorry for the lady (just like all the sexually abuse cases where parents collect money under the table). The only way the young lady can prove to us that she was innocent is by taking the company to court for tarnishing her good name .Aything less than that cant convince me . I am glad for her is she was really innocent .

    • Anonymous
      September 24, 2013

      What if the young lady paid them all their money back and the decided that it was enough for them? Now i am not saying that she did take the money, i am just saying a reason why the could decide to drop the charges.

    • Yes I
      September 24, 2013

      Mayb she pay them bac

      • ricol
        September 25, 2013

        she pay them back and move so what! so what yhou all waisting your time on dno. go pray

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 24, 2013

      There does not seem to be such thing here. One cannot insinuate any corruption or ill-motive based on the limited facts contained in the DNO story. Even if a deal was made with the company, it is okay. The case was brought by the state based on the complaint made by the company. Therefore, if the company now states that it no longer wishes to proceed with the matter-for whatever reason, there is no corruption. The young lady need not prove anything to us that she is innocent or guily. Why do you or anyone have to be convinced of anything further than the gesture of the company? Have you considered the possibility that the company might have saved her from further harm?

      Respectfully
      Roseau Valley

      • real possie
        September 24, 2013

        So RV corruption only for one set thats a word u all eat sleep breathe now its not hmmmmm.

      • wondering
        September 24, 2013

        I am left wondering who really is the company saving from harm??? Ears are waiting to hear.

      • hey
        September 24, 2013

        Dear Mr. or Mrs. ROSEAU VALLEY I have read your comments and you stated that the company might have saved the young lady from further harm. But have you ever thought that they were saving their own self from embarrassment. When we hear things we are always ready to judge. One thing I will say is who knows knows and who doesn’t know doesn’t know. I for one was waiting for that case to go through because a lot of persons would be implicated and it would shock you all. I am sure someone advised them because not all story good to talk but Almighty Father knows it all and some persons too.

        So stop being hard on the young Lady as I always knew she was innocent. Was just a scapegoat for others and they know themselves.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 24, 2013

        Hey! ROSEAU VALLEY is not being hard or light on anyone. The above comments are based on the information available. All I am saying is that the amicable resolution of the matter is to the benefit of either one party, both parties, the judicial system and perhaps the entire society.

        If the situation (i.e., the facts, evidence and the applicable law) favoured the young lady or the company then the amicable resolution was a compromise by one party. Indeed, I concur with you that it may well have been a resolution to save the company from its own embarrassment. I do not know that as the facts available do not suggest that but of course I may be wrong.

        Respectfully
        Roseau Valley

    • September 24, 2013

      You can go to court for defamation of character only if you are innocent. The accused do not have to prove innocence since she was set free. However, this is a huge lose for the company to let go of without some kind of understanding.

  44. Faithful
    September 24, 2013

    So did she pay the money back? I guess so because the company would never let their money go down the drain.

    • Anonymous
      September 24, 2013

      she did not take anything y should she give back money

    • ????????
      September 24, 2013

      Their money go down their own drain!

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      What if it was one huge error and they found the money or knew who did steal the money, that it was not her?

  45. September 24, 2013

    i know alot of u going to say she`s innocent,and that may be true but there is one question i would like to ask her what did she have under her tongue?and what phalms did she read?

    • September 24, 2013

      Does that exist?

    • Anonymous
      September 24, 2013

      the same you have under your tongue and the same u read

    • Reader
      September 24, 2013

      That’s two questions! :lol:

    • Justice and Truth
      September 24, 2013

      You mean psalms?

  46. Anonymous
    September 24, 2013

    “they (the company) were no longer interested in the matter and that they were not threatened, bribed or anything of that nature and were doing so through their own free will.” my girl.u are free they did not had anything one u.just for dominicans to give u bad name.now u should take them to court

    • September 24, 2013

      I think what transpired between them is confidential. You do not accuse without reason.

      • Justice and Truth
        September 24, 2013

        Oh yes, people could be accused without reason. They know what happened to the money, if they found out their mistake or was it a mistake and if someone stole it.

  47. Anonymous
    September 24, 2013

    hmmmmm?????????????????

  48. hmmm
    September 24, 2013

    EH???????!!!!!!!!!!! ONE SET I TELL YOU. SMH

  49. anonymous
    September 24, 2013

    something smells is not right dominicans

    • September 24, 2013

      Not only in Dominica dear.

  50. Really
    September 24, 2013

    Damaged is already done whether she walk away free or was charged. However she can consider herself lucky because she pleaded with the people to be forgiven. Now am seriously contemplating coming and work for Lindo Mart.! Lmfao

    • ????????
      September 24, 2013

      Well go and experience it for yourself but I will tell you one thing, keep your eyes open before you become a scapegoat … don’t be careless.

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