A local travel agent has admitted to fraudulently converting more than $44,000 belonging to the government and two private clients through a series of offences spanning 2022 and 2023.
According to Antigua News Room, Michelle Anthony, 50, of Lightfoot, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraudulent conversion when she appeared before Justice John Spencer in the High Court. She is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on September 25.
The largest portion of the misappropriated funds — more than $29,000 — had been provided to cover travel arrangements for the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra's planned appearance in New York in August 2023. The Festivals Commission had organised the trip to allow the then-reigning Panorama champions to participate in Antigua and Barbuda Day activities in the city.
The Commission later reported that the loss severely disrupted those plans and also impacted preparations for the 2023 Labour Day celebrations in New York.
Anthony also admitted to offences involving two additional individuals, each of whom reportedly lost several thousand dollars. The fraudulent conversions took place at locations on Old Parham Road and in St. John's.
As reported by Antigua News Room, Anthony was charged in December, and the case was subsequently transferred to the High Court.
