Appearing before City Magistrate, Judy Latchman yesterday were former policemen, George Valladares, 35, of 159 Third Street, Alexander Village and Jarrel Huntley, 27, of 140 Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown.
George Valladares
The duo was charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition and for using threatening language.
Valladares and Huntley were allegedly found in possession of a 9 MM Glock pistol and 14 live rounds of ammunition on March 11, last, at Barrack and Camp Streets.
The men reportedly used the weapons to threaten their business partner, Surendra Etwaroo.
The men, who are said to be two ex-intelligence cops, had reportedly called Etwaroo and “threatened to harm his family if he did not pay them their money.”
Valladares and Huntley were arrested outside Special Branch Headquarters on Tuesday after an unlicenced firearm was found in their possession.
They pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Defence Counsel, Bernard Da Silva and Patrice Henry, requested bail at a reasonable amount. Both lawyers claimed that their clients had vehemently denied the allegations before the court.
Da Silva, who represented Huntley, told the court, yesterday, that the alleged weapon found on his client’s person, “was just a toy gun.”
Police Prosecutor, Joel Ricknauth, noted that no special reason was provided for the defendants to be permitted bail, in relation to the illegal firearms charge.
Jarrel Huntley
As such, bail was granted to them in the sum of $30,000 each for threatening language. However, the men were refused bail on the possession of firearm and ammunition charges.
They will return to court March 28.