Teen gets bail on boat theft charges

An 18-year-old California student, accused of stealing two Petrotrin boats and an engine which police valued at $74,000, claimed he was beaten by police and forced to sign a statement. Stephen Rojan, of Dow Village, appeared in the San Fernando First Magistrates’ Court yesterday. But police prosecutor acting Insp Robin Rampersad questioned the allegation made by Rojan, as “no report” was made to cell block officers.

Rojan, who was represented by attorney Keith Beckles, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington and was granted $45,000 bail. He was charged with stealing a Marina boat engine, a Boeing dingy and a Boston wheeler at Petrotrin compound, Pointe-a-Pierre. Rampersad recommended summary trial for both charges and Rojan pleaded not guilty.