Latest update January 19th, 2026 7:37 AM
Magistrate to rule on application to reduce charges against Calvin Brutus
(Kaieteur News) – Acting chief magistrate, Faith McGusty is expected to rule on an application that could significantly reduce the number of charges facing former assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus following several developments in his ongoing court proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Brutus is currently facing 261 financial crime charges arising from an investigation conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into alleged financial misconduct within the Guyana Police Force.
Calvin Brutus
Also charged in connection with the matter are Police Sergeant Latoya Brummel, businessman Corwin Nicholson, Brutus’ wife Adonika Aulder, his driver Kevin George, and businessman Asif Zafarally. All defendants are represented by a team of defence attorneys including Yuborn Allicock, Eusi Anderson, Earl Daniels, and Dominic Bess.
The legal proceedings against Brutus began in October 2024 when he was initially charged with 30 offences, including misconduct in public office, larceny, and money laundering, and granted bail in the sum of $6.2 million. In November 2024, an additional 201 charges were laid, increasing the total to 231 and resulting in a bail increase to $16.25 million. Further charges later brought the total to 261.
Two major applications were recently made by the defence. These include a request for the matters to be tried summarily rather than indictably, and an application to consolidate certain charges that allegedly arise from the same set of facts, which would reduce the overall number of charges against Brutus. On January 5, 2026, during proceedings before McGusty, defence attorneys formally applied for the consolidation of several charges.
Earlier this year, the defence also applied for the charges to be tried summarily. Magistrate McGusty ruled in favour of this application, allowing the matters to proceed as summary offences, which are generally less severe, involve faster proceedings, and carry lower penalties than indictable offences. However, a ruling on the consolidation of charges has been deferred, with Magistrate McGusty setting January 22, 2026, for further arguments and the addressing of additional issues in the matter.
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