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Joseph Halowell, a businessman, pleaded guilty to defrauding Abass Abdulraham Kamara of NLe156, 000 under false pretenses of securing an Australian visa and flight ticket.
The plea was entered on Monday, January 27, 2025, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown.
Halowell faces three charges: conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses under Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916, and causing money to be paid with intent to defraud under the same section.
According to court records, the offenses occurred between January 1 and February 28, 2024, at No.3b Signal Hill, Congo Cross, Freetown. Halowell allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to defraud Kamara, promising to secure an Australian visa and flight ticket, a claim prosecutors say he knew to be false.
Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Dialla Wellington confirmed that Halowell caused Kamara to pay NLe156,000 to Sallieu Sesay under the same false pretenses.
The accused admitted guilt to all charges. Prosecutor Wellington stated that the facts as presented were accurate and noted that Halowell had no prior criminal record.
Magistrate Bangura remanded Halowell to the Male Correctional Center pending sentencing. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025.
