A Grand Bahama woman is appealing for the return of money confiscated during a police operation that she says she can prove is legitimate.

Marilyn Newman told ZNS News that she saved the money which is now evidence in an investigation into one of her relatives. She said, “this ain’ monies I just had one time. This monies I saved over a period of time not knowing that i could get in trouble for doing it.”

Newman kept the money in her closet which is where it was found during a search by police. “I didn’t hesitate to let them in because I know I didn’t have anything to hide in the house. But the warrant also had Marilyn McDonald which is not my name but because I guess they came to my house I opened the door.”

According to Newman, who is a Cosmetic Surgery Consultant, after the search she was taken in for questioning and provided proof of where the money came from to police. She maintains the money is a combination of commission payments and an insurance payout after an accident.

Police told Newman she had until August 29th to provide proof of the origin of the money, she complied. She was accused of being involved in a drug related scam with her brother who is wanted by police.

“When they take the money out the house, the DEA officer tell me it can all go away if I tell them where he is. I don’t know where he is. I don’t have a clue where Jermaine is. I don’t even know if Jermaine living or dead.”

A letter written in November 2024 from attorneys at Mackey and Moxey was sent to then Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles requesting the return of the funds. The courts have ruled that the money is to be kept in custody for three months.

Ms. Newman is appealing to the powers that be to ensure that her money is returned to her.