Journalist Kainie Manuel appeared in San Pedro Magistrate's Court today where she was charged for 15 counts of theft from the Lions Zone 59. The Chairman of the club reported that between November 2009 and March of 2010, Manuel was treasurer and secretary of the club when she embezzled almost $10,000. Today in court, the former San Pedro Sun journalist pleaded not guilty and was given bail of $10,000 which she met.
But that's not the end of it as she also faces charges which will be brought by her former employer, the San Pedro Sun. In a statement to the press, that newspaper claims that in June of 2008, Manuel, then an employee of The San Pedro Sun, confessed to embezzling over $50,000 from the business over a period of three years.
The paper claims she agreed to a legally binding agreement to repay they money so that the paper would not press charges. The paper states that about half of her salary which is $200 dollars was deducted a week until she failed to live up to the agreement and in July of 2009, the paper then started to withhold her full salary. The paper says that only a portion of the debt has been paid and a balance of over $45,000 remains.
Manuel said she could not comment because she has not seen the release and is seeking legal counsel. Still, the owner of the Sun is proceeding with charges for the alleged embezzlement.
