Travel Agent charged with defrauding gov’t and residents

By Zaya Williams

The owner of Michy D’s Travel Agency is facing a slew of fraud charges for allegedly failing to fulfill ticket purchases and misappropriating funds entrusted to her.

Michelle Anthony, a 50-year-old resident of Lightfoot, is accused of unlawfully converting $29,031.31 provided by the Government on August 25 for personal use.

Furthermore, on December 1 and 10, she stands accused of similar actions, this time involving $1500.00 entrusted to her by a woman on each occasion.

Another victim reportedly suffered financial losses totaling $12,650.00 between August 15 and December 13 due to the defendant’s alleged fraudulent activities.

She operates the travel agency on Old Parham Rd, and it is believed that the government contracted her to procure tickets for individuals participating in Antigua Day festivities in New York during the summer.

The Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, was among those affected, finding themselves without booked flights despite arrangements made through the local travel agency.

Amid the 2023 New York celebrations, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission had tasked the agency with managing per diem payments, securing accommodations, and obtaining tickets for performers.

However, the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra faced a shocking setback at the airport when no flights were booked on their behalf.

Recent reports highlight additional incidents where victims purchased tickets, but no charges have been filed yet.

One victim reportedly bought three airline tickets valued at EC$5,000 in April for travel to Guyana on December 12, only to discover at the airport that the tickets were never purchased.

Another individual, who reportedly bought a single airline ticket for EC$2,190 in October, faced a similar situation when attempting to check in for the December 12 flight.

The defendant was granted bail today, set at $80,000 with a $6,500 cash component, along with several imposed conditions.