Melbourne Wade Junior, a car dealer now accused of scamming several businessmen, has reportedly collected thousands of dollars over three months without fulfilling his contractual obligations. The 30-year-old was brought from prison today to face a sixth theft charge after another complaint involving vehicle theft was filed against him.
Today’s charge relates to Wade renting a white Ford Escape from Floyd Ford and subsequently pawning the vehicle. An all-points bulletin was issued for the SUV, leading to the detention of the pawn broker and the recovery of the car. Ford, the vehicle’s owner, identified it, prompting Wade’s court appearance for theft.
Wade contested the charge, arguing that he should not be penalized since the vehicle had been returned to its owner. However, the Chief Magistrate denied him bail, and he was remanded in custody until December 3.
Wade has a history of similar scams, including one against former Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya, who lost over $14,000 in a fraudulent vehicle purchase. His latest court appearance was on September 25, where he faced two counts of theft for dishonestly acquiring a black Ford Escape and a Chevy Equinox. Additionally, a bus conductor reported that he had given Wade $8,500 as a deposit for a black Chevy Equinox.
Another victim includes a taxi driver who provided Wade with $5,000 toward the purchase of a Chrysler van.