Three men were brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing charges of robbery amounting to $20.8 million in cash. The accused—24-year-olds Joshua Haynes and Beris Parkinson, along with 18-year-old Randy Crossman—each pleaded not guilty to the charges before Magistrate Annette Singh.
The first charge alleges that on Tuesday, August 19, at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, the trio robbed Paul Calendar of $20 million. The second charge states that they also robbed a Chinese national of $800,000 on the same date and location.
Attorney Dominic Bess, representing Haynes, argued that his client is a small business owner with no previous convictions. He claimed that on the day of the alleged robbery, Haynes was simply giving the other two defendants a ride to Albouystown and had no involvement in the crime. Bess stated that Haynes voluntarily turned himself in to the police upon learning they were seeking him and denied the allegations.
Bess also represented Parkinson and highlighted his client’s lack of criminal history. He claimed that Parkinson was arrested in Annandale and assaulted by police while in custody. According to Bess, Parkinson was pressured during a video-recorded interview to confess, despite denying any wrongdoing. He requested reasonable bail for both men, arguing that the charges were bailable.
Attorney Stacy Goodings, representing Crossman, described him as a young laborer appearing in court for the first time. Goodings asserted that Crossman has no passport and categorically denies the allegations. She claimed that on the day of the robbery, Crossman was the victim of a bus accident and was conversing with the bus driver when a group of unknown individuals approached the bus. Goodings stated that video evidence exists to support Crossman’s account.
The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the penalties involved. The court was informed that CCTV footage captured the robbery, and each defendant allegedly identified themselves in the recording. The prosecution emphasized that Haynes had recently been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for robbery.
When the CCTV footage was played in court, it appeared inconclusive. While the prosecution pointed out men on bicycles, Bess argued that the footage did not clearly establish that a crime had occurred.
Magistrate Singh ruled that the evidence and disputes raised would be settled at trial. She granted each defendant bail in the amount of $300,000. The case has been adjourned until September 26, 2025.]
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