Used car dealer to return to court in theft, money laundering case

CourtLocal News Used car dealer to return to court in theft, money laundering case by Jenique Belgrave 27/03/2026 written by Jenique Belgrave Updated by Hiltonia Mariate 27/03/2026 1 min read A+A- Reset Gavel leaning against a row of law books FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 0 The money laundering and theft trial of a used car dealer accused of stealing more than $42 000 from a customer and laundering the proceeds will resume in the No. 5A Supreme Court on March 31. Dwayne Omar Clarke of Warrens Crescent, St Michael has pleaded not guilty to stealing $18 000 belonging to Joy-Ann Mapp, the proceeds of a Republic Bank Limited cheque, made payable to MD Auto Sales between August 17, 2019 and July 6, 2021, and that he possessed the $18 000 being the proceeds of a crime and that he knew or had reasonable grounds to suspect that it was derived or realised directly or indirectly from theft between the same dates. He has also denied that he stole $24 500 belonging to Mapp, the proceeds of a Republic Bank Limited cheque, made payable to Dwayne Clarke on February 4 and that on the same date he possessed the funds being the proceeds of a crime and that he knew or had reasonable grounds to suspect that it was derived or realised directly or indirectly from criminal conduct. Clarke is self-represented while Principal State Counsel Romario Straker, State Counsel Maya Kellman and State Counsel Eleazar Williams prosecute the case before Justice Christopher Birch. (JB) You Might Be Interested In Alleged burglar remanded Crime spree Francis to undergo assessment Jenique Belgrave You may also like Hall slams Tridents’ performance in loss to Saint Martin 27/03/2026 Barbadians urged to join fisherfolk in paying attention to BMS advisories 27/03/2026 Husband settles compensation to injured estranged wife 27/03/2026

Facts Only

Actor: Dwayne Omar Clarke, Joy-Ann Mapp, Principal State Counsel Romario Straker, State Counsel Maya Kellman, State Counsel Eleazar Williams, Justice Christopher Birch
Events: Money laundering and theft trial, theft of $18,000 between August 17, 2019, and July 6, 2021, possession of the proceeds of a crime, theft of $24,500 on February 4
Locations: Warrens Crescent, St Michael (Barbados)
Institutions: No. 5A Supreme Court of Barbados, Republic Bank Limited

Executive Summary

A used car dealer, Dwayne Omar Clarke, is facing a money laundering and theft trial in the No. 5A Supreme Court of Barbados on March 31, 2026. He has pleaded not guilty to charges involving the alleged theft of over $42,000 from Joy-Ann Mapp, and the laundering of the proceeds between August 17, 2019, and July 6, 2021. The trial is being prosecuted by Principal State Counsel Romario Straker, State Counsel Maya Kellman, and State Counsel Eleazar Williams before Justice Christopher Birch. Clarke is self-represented.

Full Take

This case highlights the importance of vigilance in financial transactions, particularly in the used car industry. While it is essential to approach this event without jumping to conclusions, it raises questions about the integrity of dealers and the need for enhanced customer protection measures. The trial's outcome will set a precedent for future cases involving money laundering and theft in similar circumstances.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity (the article does not clarify the exact nature of Clarke's business or his relationship with Mapp)
Questions to consider: What motivations could be driving these alleged actions by Dwayne Omar Clarke? How can customers protect themselves from similar incidents in the future? What role should government regulations play in ensuring transparency and accountability in the used car industry?