By Deneita Fredericks

Three persons were on Friday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly circulating counterfeit United States  currencies totaling US$14,650.

Dexter Thompson, a 26-year-old clothes vendor and his fiance, Yuimmeni Lopez, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national as well as 40-year-old, Simone Thompson, the mother of Dexter Thompson, all pleaded not guilty to the 10 charges read.
The first charge against Dexter Thompson alleged that on January 23, 2019 at Quail’s Optical, Thomas Street, Georgetown, he uttered to Clement Cumberbatch, US $1800, knowing same to be forged.

The second charge alleged that on May 14, 2019 at East Street, North Cummingsburg, he uttered US $3,850 to Rockmin Del Toro, with intend to defraud him, knowing same to be forged.
In the court on Friday, Simone Thompson was also slapped with a total of five charges. Particulars of the first charge read that on April 21, 2019 at Delph Street, Campbellville, she uttered US$ 300 to Zaheed Harrynarine, knowing same to be forged.

The other four charges alleged that she uttered a total of US$3,550 to Wannita Atkins, Mondale Smith and Ravindra Rajnauth with intent to defraud, knowing same to be forged.

Lopez, who resides at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, along with the other two defendants, was faced with three charges. Particulars of the first charge alleged that on May 15, 2019 at Georgetown, she had in her possession US$2,200 worth of forged currency without lawful authority or excuse.
The second charge read that on May 14, 2019 at East Street, Georgetown she uttered US$ 2,500 to Rockmin Del Toro, with intent to defraud, knowing same to be forged.

The final charge stated that on January 25, 2019, she uttered US $1,800 to Clement Cumberbatch at Quail’s Optical knowing same to be forged.
The trio were represented by Attorney-at-Law, Darren Wade, who in his bail application told the court that Dexter Thompson is a father of two while Lopez is the fiancée of Dexter. He further stated that his clients have fully cooperated with the police since investigations commenced and intend to remain fully committed to their responsibilities.

The Prosecution, represented by Prosecutor Sanj Singh, made no objections to bail being granted to Dexter Thompson and Simone Thompson. However, he objected to bail being granted to Lopez due to the fact that she is a foreign national and has not provided a permit to be in Guyana, which make her a flight risk.

According to reports, the two women would go into business places and pay with the fake currencies. A number of other charges are expected to be made against them.
After evaluating submissions made by both the prosecution and defense attorney, the Magistrate decided to grant Simone Thompson bail at the total sum of $250,000 and Dexter Thompson bail at the sum of $200,000. However, Lopez was not granted bail until she presents her permit to the court.