“Odella” Released on $75, 000 Bail for robbery
October 7 2025
The larceny case against 18-year-old Georgetown resident Akeem Aaron John, known as “Odella,” hit a setback recently when the virtual complainant failed to appear in court for the second straight hearing.
As a result, Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty granted the teenager bail in the sum of $75,000.
John, of James Street, Georgetown, is accused of stealing a bag containing $122,000 from market vendor Leo Persaud on September 10 at Stabroek Market.
He first appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh on Monday, where he entered a not guilty plea.
When asked to explain what happened, John told the court that he had simply picked up a bag he noticed while walking through the market and had no idea of its contents.
He said that after Persaud began chasing and shouting at him, he ran in fear but was struck by a car during the pursuit.
According to John, he lay on the ground for 15 to 20 minutes before Persaud retrieved his bag. He maintained that he never opened the bag or took any money from it.
Police, however, gave a different account.
A rank told the court that Persaud reported John had escaped with the bag and that about a week later, Persaud spotted him again in the market and identified him to the authorities, leading to his arrest.
The prosecution objected to bail on several grounds, pointing out the seriousness of the charge and warning that John might not return to court if released.
The prosecutor also disclosed that John had given the police several false names, including at the time of his arrest and while receiving medical treatment.
Meanwhile, John alleged that while held at the Stabroek Market outpost since Monday, he was beaten by police officers and repeatedly denied medical attention until the morning of his Friday appearance in court.
When the matter was called before Magistrate McGusty, the prosecutor confirmed that Persaud, who was also absent at the last hearing, did not attend once again.
The magistrate remarked that his absence signaled a lack of interest in the case and emphasized that the accused could not remain in custody indefinitely under such circumstances.
Although the prosecution stood firm in opposing bail, the magistrate ruled in John’s favor and ordered his release. The case has been adjourned until October 31 for report.
