Two witnesses took to the stand today April 30, 2015 in the Magistrate's Court as the trial of Juan Martin Pimental Taveras, who has been charged with allegedly receiving stolen goods, continued. One of the witnesses was the Virtual Complainant and the other an investigating officer with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Photo: VINO/File

Following a request from Prosecutor Herbert E. Potter, Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo adjourned the case to June 22, 2015 for the other witnesses to appear before her.

Cheryl Todman, whose jewellery was allegedly burglarised, told the court that in May 2012, she left her place of employment, BVI Electricity Corporation, at 5:45 PM and upon reaching home she discovered her home ransacked.

She said that on that day she left her wedding ring and another ring at home because of her swollen fingers due to a thyroid condition. She said upon checking for the jewellery she discovered them missing. The police were then called in and she was asked to visit the Road Town Police Station where she reportedly identified her jewellery.

Police witness John Avril testified before the court that on May 24, 2012, he received a case file to conduct an investigation into an alleged burglary that occurred at the residence of Susan Jno-Lewis, Ruth Palmer and John Palmer.

He said following the investigation he informed the defendant, Juan Martin Pimental Taveras, that he was conducting an investigation into a burglary where a quantity of jewellery was allegedly stolen. According to the officer, the defendant allegedly told him during the audio visual interview that he purchased the jewellery from someone named ‘Miguel’ for $2,000.

Avril told the court that he charged the defendant with handling stolen goods.