Former strata manager refused bail on over 400 fraud charges

A former strata manager on the NSW Mid North Coast has been refused bail on more than 400 fraud charges. Jessica Marrie Carah, 30, allegedly transferred over $2 million from strata trust accounts into her personal bank account. Police say she spent the money on cryptocurrency investments, luxury goods, and an SUV.

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a serious breach of community trust

Carah was arrested at her Coffs Harbour home and charged with dealing with proceeds of crime and 403 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. In opposing bail, police prosecutor Leanne Smith argued Carah's alleged actions represented "a serious breach of community trust." She noted Carah was the sole person with access to the funds and that her actions had "considerable effects on the whole community."

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She was the sole person with access to these funds and these actions have had considerable effects on the whole community

Concerns were also raised about Carah interfering with witnesses and failing to appear in court, given the likelihood of a custodial sentence. Her defense solicitor suggested she was under duress from an ex-partner and suffered from depression and anxiety. However, the court was told 63 body corporate accounts were defrauded.

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There are concerns about her interfering with witnesses and, in light of a likely custodial sentence, of failing to appear in court.

Acting Judge Amanda Coultas-Roberts described the charges as "an extremely serious matter and a breach of trust of the 63 victims." She stated that "Should she be convicted of the offences, a full-time custodial sentence is inevitable." Carah will remain in custody until her next court appearance on July 15.

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Monies were transferred from the strata business where she was working and were then transferred to her ex-partner's account. She states she was under duress to her ex-partner at the time.