Liberian citizen tried for stealing

JAKARTA (JP): A Liberian citizen was indicted at Central Jakarta District Court on Monday on charges of stealing US$50,000 in cash.

Prosecutor Lukimanto said the defendant, James Kelvin Wolo, 27, and his fellow Liberian accomplice, George Smith alias James William -- who is still at large -- stole the money from South Korean businessman Soo Yul-yum, on Aug. 14.

"Of the stolen money, the defendant got $23,000, while George took the remaining $27,000," Lukimanto said.

He said the defendant, reportedly a top basketball player in his country, went with Smith to Hotel Ibis Jl. Sabang, Central Jakarta, for a business meeting with Soo.

He said Soo then left his guests, who he had known for two weeks, in his room.

Smith took the victim's bag and then left the hotel with the defendant, Lukimanto said.

According to the prosecutor, Smith gave $23,000 to the defendant before leaving the country.

He said James was arrested two days later at Hotel Alia in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, after police received a report from the victim.

Police seized $22,000 from the defendant, who had spent the remaining $1,000, he said.

Lukimanto charged the defendant under Article 363 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum punishment of seven years in jail.

The defendant refuted the charge, saying that he was not guilty.

"I just accompanied my friend. I didn't know that he stole the money," he said.

He said he was just keeping the money until his friend returned to the country.

Presiding judge Pangeran Siregar adjourned the trial until next week to hear a written statement from the victim who is believed to have left the country. (jun)