The two women who are responsible for the widely circulated sex tape on social media of their friend, were today charged and jailed for the offence.
Twenty-one-year-old Melissa Ann Pestano and 23-year-old Janel Williams , appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The first charge stated that between January 20 and January 21,2020, Williams used a cellphone to transmit data that was explicit to humiliate Teressa Pollard.
It was further alleged that Pestano used a computer to cause distress to Teressa Pollard. Both women pleaded guilty to the charge.
Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Richard Harris stated that the women are known to each other since they have been close friends for years.
However, Pestano received information that Teressa Pollard was having an affair with her spouse, Paul Pollard and she and Williams decided to come up with a plan to get revenge.
The court heard that the women, along with Paul Pollard conspired that he take the victim to K&VC International Hotel located on South Road.
Pollard, on arrival at the hotel with the victim informed the women as to which room they were in.
Pestano then arrived 10 minutes later and on arrival in the room, she videoed the sexual act. Shortly after, she sent a copy to Williams who then shared it with several others.
Thereafter, it was circulated on social media. The matter was then reported and the women were arrested and charged for the offence.
Pestano who cried throughout the court proceeding told the court that all three women have been friends for years and she is sorry for what happened. While Williams stood in court and showed no remorse.
However, the Magistrate, in ruling, told the women that they are charged under the cyber crime act. She further added,” you guys can’t allow emotions to take control over you and it’s a hard lesson and I hope you learn from it.
Hence, she sentenced both women to three years behind bars together with a fine of $5M each.
