By Clinton McGregor
A former employee of Guardsman Security and his mother, who were charged with stealing $13 million from two automated banking machines (ABMs) in St. Ann, four years ago, were freed before the St. Ann Parish Court on Tuesday.
Aamir Beckles 24, and Annadean Silvera, 43, were freed when their attorneys Peter Champagnie, KC, and Samoi Campbell challenged the evidence submitted by prosecutors.
Beckles and Silvera were charged following the theft of $13.7 million from two National Commercial Bank ABMs in January 2020.
Beckles, who worked as a driver and junior treasury officer for Guardsman Security, was arrested after confessing to his involvement in the robbery.
But his attorneys challenged the caution statement he gave the police.
Mr. Champagnie argued that his client was interviewed by the police without an attorney and was never advised of his rights.
He further argued that the confession was not made voluntarily, as for the majority of the interview Beckles maintained his innocence and only confessed after he was promised benefits for his admission of guilt.
The attorney submitted that the confession therefore could not be admitted.
With respect to his mother, the attorneys argued that she was charged after Beckles told the cops that he had given her the stolen money for safe keeping.
Mr. Champagnie said there was no evidence to suggest that Ms. Silvera was aware of any criminal activity.
The crown, after reviewing the confession which was video recorded, was forced to concede and offer no evidence against both Mr. Beckles and Ms. Silvera.
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