Sophia man facing 4 charges on $230,000 bail

Jamal Halley, a 32-year-old resident of ‘D’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Tuesday arraigned in the Georgetown court of acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on three firearm-related offences and a malicious damage to property charge.
One charge stems from an incident that occurred on March 22 at Harpy Drive in North East La Penitence, where Halley was allegedly found with a Glock .45 pistol bearing serial number XA245.
Another charge detailed that, on that same date and time, he was also found with ten matching rounds of ammunition when he was not the holder of a valid firearm licence.

Another charge accuses Halley of unlawfully discharging a loaded firearm within 100 yards of a public place, specifically on Independence Boulevard in Albouystown on March 14, 2025.
And the fourth charge alleges that when Halley had discharged the loaded firearm on March 14, he damaged four car tyres belonging to one Anfernee George and valued at $60,000.
Halley pleaded not guilty to all four allegations.
The prosecutor objected to Halley being placed on bail by citing concerns about the absence of any legitimate reason for Halley to possess the weapon. The prosecutor also informed the court that video footage exists capturing the accused during the incident and claimed he had eluded officers who attempted to arrest him.
According to the prosecutor, locating Halley again could prove challenging if he is released on bail.
However, Halley’s attorneys, Motee Singh and Stacy Goodings, countered these claims. Goodings questioned why no wanted bulletin had been issued if Halley had in fact evaded police custody. Singh, on the other hand, maintained that no incriminating evidence had been recovered against Halley, and that there was no lawful order for his detention.
Magistrate McGusty set bail at $40,000 for the malicious damage to property charge, $40,000 for the unlicensed firearm and ammunition charge, and $150,000 for discharging a loaded weapon, bringing the total to $230,000.
The case has been adjourned to May 7.