A man is still holding on to the defense that he did not steal his former employer’s 14-karat gold bracelet from his residence in 2014 and was on the run for two years.
When he appeared before the St Ann Parish Court on Tuesday, September 20, Dane Cole remained adamant that he was not guilty of the charge of larceny.
When the matter came before senior parish judge Andrea Thomas the crown prosecutor revealed that he could not commence trial into the case as the investigating officer was vital to the case. This was because the accused, Cole had admitted while under caution to taking the bracelet.
Allegations are that in 2014, Cole was employed by a man to do some work at his house. In the evening, when the complainant went to have a shower, he placed his 14-karat gold bracelet in a jewelry box.
When the man returned from his shower, there was no sign of his gold bracelet in the jewelry box. Cole also could not be found by the complainant as he was not in the house.
It was not until 2016 that the complainant located Cole.
He was taken into custody on February 8.
The clerk of court had revealed on a prior mention date that under caution, Cole had admitted to the police that he took the gold bracelet and had sold it for $10,000.
Last Tuesday, Judge Thomas inquired from Cole if he never admitted anything to the police.
He flatly denied taking the item he was accused of stealing.
“And you didn’t disappear, sir?” Judge Thomas asked.
“No, Your Honor,” Cole replied.
“The police are telling lies on you, sir?” Judge Thomas further asked him.
Cole told her yes and went on to explain that he had received his pay for the job he was asked to do at the house and left.
“I never disappear, Your Honor,” Cole again insisted.
However, due to the absence of the investigating officer, even until late afternoon, a trial into the case did not commence.
A first instance warrant was issued for the officer.
Cole and the complainant are to return to court on March 16, 2017 when the matter is set for trial.
Cole had his bail extended.
