By BIANCA SYMONETTE, Guardian Staff Reporter, bianca@nasguard.com

A magistrate took a little over 20 minutes to arraign a 36-year-old man on 98 counts of fraud-related charges, related to over $175,000 in forged checks.

Jason Sands appeared weary as he stood and listened as the magistrate read off each count. He stood with his head hung to the side and his arms clasped during the arraignment. Sands was charged with 31 counts of forgery, 31 counts of uttering a forged document and 36 counts of fraud by false pretenses.

After reading off several of the charges, Magistrate Linda Virgil told Sands that he could have a seat as she finished read the charges off to him.

It is alleged that the Domingo Heights resident cashed checks at three local banks in New Providence amounting to $176,747.00. The banks where the checks were allegedly cashed were Commonwealth Bank in Golden Gates, Royal Bank of Canada on Mackey Street and FirstCaribbean International Bank in Oakes Field. According to court records, the alleged fraud took place between February 25 and May 21, 2008.

The first two checks, in the amount of $3,600 and $4,200, were allegedly drawn on the account of Cindy Drakes in February, totaling $7,800. The forged checks were allegedly from CIBC and cashed at Commonwealth Bank.

In March, it is alleged that Sands cashed nine checks at Royal Bank amounting to $42,013. In April, it is alleged that he cashed 15 checks at Royal Bank and First Caribbean, amounting to $62,557. And in May, Sands allegedly cashed 17 checks at Royal Bank and FirstCaribbean in the amount of $64,377.

Overall, it is alleged that Sands was able to obtain $7,800 from Commonwealth Bank, $24,735 from FirstCaribbean and $144,212 from Royal Bank.

The highest amount cashed by Sands on one check was on April 8, when he allegedly cashed a check valued at $8,763. The least amount allegedly cashed was on May 19. That check was allegedly $100.

Sands pleaded not guilty to the 98 counts of forgery-related charges and was granted a $75,000 bail with two sureties. He elected for the trial to be heard in the Magistrate's Court.

Prosecutor Inspector Clifford Daxon indicated that he would proceed via a summary trial and did not object to bail in the matter. He did, however, request that Sands' travel document be taken, due to his close ties to individuals in the United States.

According to Inspector Daxon, Sands lived in the U.S for a considerable amount of time. However, attorney for Sands, Roger Gomez Jr. indicated that his client had already surrendered his passport to the Central Detective Unit, and he also indicated that his client was deported from the U.S. and has no status there.

The attorney requested that the magistrate exercise discretion, arguing that his client is employed as a cabinetmaker at Kitchen Crafts and has no prior convictions in The Bahamas. Gomez assured that his client will comply with the court orders.

After granting bail, Magistrate Virgil adjourned the matter until December 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 10 a.m.