Latest update April 17th, 2025 9:50 AM
America Street bandit sentenced, accomplice dismissed.
Of the two men who were arrested for the brazen gunpoint attack on money changers at America Street,
Troy Abrams
one was jailed yesterday.
Troy Abrams and Anthony Primo, 29, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were charged for robbing the money changers on America street on November 3, last. They robbed Rayburn Fraser of $520,000, US$3000, TT$2,000 and SRD$2000. They were also accused of robbing Warde of $400,000 and US$700.
The case against Primo was discontinued. However 41-year-old Abrams will spend the next five years of his life in prison.
The convict’s alibi fell through the cracks in the case against him when Prosecutors cross examined his girlfriend. According to Abrams he was at home with his girlfriend watching a movie on television called “Soul Food” at 20:00hrs. The woman, who claimed Abrams spent the entire day with her, gave evidence that she saw the movie.
But Prosecutors said that her failure to recall what the movie was about on such a significant day, gave way to a crack in the case.
Prosecutors are satisfied that the case against Abrams was also solid based on the testimony of Rayburn Fraser. In his statement Fraser said he personally knew his perpetrator as “Blackee” and as someone he would trade his gold and foreign currency with.
In his evidence he said that on the day of the robbery he saw Abrams at close range and there was adequate light for him to positively identify him when he threatened to kill him if he didn’t hand over the bag of cash.
The court also took into consideration Fraser’s demeanor when he said he was fearful for his life when Abrams pushed his AK rifle in his belly and relieved him of his currency.
Before his client’s final sentencing, Abrams’ solicitor argued that other reasons should be taken into consideration, that Fraser and Abrams were familiar with each other prior to the offence. “Mr. Abrams lives a decent and respectful life,” the lawyer said.
He also asked for other factors to be taken into consideration to deal with the matter accordingly.
However, the Magistrate stated that she considered the public’s safety, the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts. She also stated that the penalty should act as a deterrent for future criminals since this attack was plotted with other persons.
The Prosecutor had no antecedents and Abrams was sentenced to five years in prison.
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