Ex – convict remanded on gun and ammunition charges

By Royan Abrams

An ex-convict who was wanted for questioning in connection with the discovery of a firearm and several stolen items at his home has been remanded to prison. He appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 23,3016.

40 year old Raymond La Fleur of Lot 28 Mount Sinai, West Canje, Berbice who turned himself in at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam with an attorney on Monday, November 21, 2016 after being on the run for several days, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him by Magistrate, Alex Moore.

The court was told that on November 15, 2016, the accused had in his possession an unlicensed Taurus pistol with ten matching rounds. He was also charged for having a tinted motor vehicle.

The ex-convict was described as a flight risk as he was convicted for several armed robberies in Berbice and other regions. He was also charged back in 2011 with the killing of 24-year-old Sebastian Clato of 42 Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown who was at the time of his death Clato was a prisoner of the New Amsterdam Prison.

According to police, Lafleur is believed to be the owner of the house in Lochaber, West Canje, Berbice where a bandit who was later identified as ex-cop Rondell Marks of Suddie, Essequibo was residing. Marks was shot and killed after a farmer took officers to the location following the disappearance of several sheep.

After hearing the case, the magistrate refused bail and the accused is expected to make another court appearance on Friday, November 25, 2016.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old was also charged and remanded to prison during last week for being in possession of the said gun and ammunition as he was in the house at the time when ranks found the items.