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Tonight, 19 year-old Devon Brooks Jr. Seen here in white, 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., seen here in Green, and 33 year-old Richard Hyde, who is the other older man in white, are at the Belize Central Prison after the were arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court for the heist at the Income Tax Department on last week Friday evening.

They have been charged with 3 counts of robbery for the almost 30 thousand dollars stolen at gunpoint.
David Cruz, his mother, Stephanie Cruz, and Brooks have been charged with keeping unlicensed ammunition, and keeping an unlicensed firearm for a cop's gun found at their home. Brooks and Cruz are also charged with aggravated assault.

Ischelle Tablada, a former Government employee who has since resigned has been charged with abetment to commit robbery because police believe that she acted as an accomplice, driving the getaway car. The Magistrate read them all their charges this evening, and after objections by the prosecution, she remanded them into custody. This evening, Tablada's attorney, Leeroy Banner, told us that he was surprised that the magistrate did not accept his submission to grant Tablada bail, given that she is a single mother, who takes care of her ailing mother:

Leroy Banner - Attorney for Defence
"They were trying to press on the court that under section 16 of the crime control act that abetment to commit robbery is a bail able offence and in this case my client she has 3 young children and her mother is sick and think that it is better that bail should be given because the evidence, there is no evidence whatsoever that links her to the crime."

Mike Rudon
"Were you surprised that she was denied bail?"

Leroy Banner - Attorney for Defence
"Of course I was surprised."

Mike Rudon
"What was the argument the prosecution to object to bail?"

Leroy Banner - Attorney for Defence
"The prosecution is saying they still need to try and recover more money and that robbery is on the rise in Belize pretty much."

Mike Rudon
"From being in court you have any idea of the other 3 men. I know you were not their attorney but could you give us an idea of what happened with them?"

Leroy Banner - Attorney for Defence
"Bail was denied because they were charged with firearm offences and under the law the magistrate cannot give them bail for firearm offences so they was no argument per say because it automatic that you go to Supreme Court for bail."