More than $44,000 belonging to the government and two private clients was converted by travel agent Michelle Anthony through a series of offences committed in 2022 and 2023.
Anthony, 50, of Lightfoot, admitted to four counts of fraudulent conversion when she appeared before Justice John Spencer in the High Court. She will return to court for sentencing on Sept. 25.
The largest portion of the money — reportedly more than $29,000 — had been provided for travel arrangements connected to the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra’s planned appearance in New York in August 2023.
The Festivals Commission had been arranging for the then-reigning Panorama champions to participate in Antigua and Barbuda Day activities in the city. It later reported that the loss disrupted those plans and affected preparations for the 2023 Labour Day celebrations in New York.
Anthony also admitted to offences involving two other people who reportedly lost several thousand dollars.
The fraudulent conversions occurred in Old Parham Road and St. John’s. Anthony was reportedly charged in December, and the case was later sent to the High Court.
Source: Antigua News Room Travel Agent Michelle Anthony Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Government, Two Others of More Than $44,000.