City Magistrate Leron Daly on Tuesday released two residents of South Sophia on $50,000 bail after they corruptly obtained money from a Stabroek News photographer for the return of his stolen camera.

Jevon Patterson, 25 and Romel Guttery, 26, were jointly charged for corruptly obtaining the sum of $50,000 from Keno George on October 19 at Camp Street, Georgetown by helping him recover his stolen camera and equipment valued $1M.

The duo denied the charged and the matter is adjourned until November 10, for statements. According to reports, on October 5 about 16:10h, Stabroek News photographer Keno George and three other persons were held at gunpoint and robbed while they were doing a fashion shoot in D’Urban Backlands.

Taken were one Canon 6D camera, one Canon 70-200 f/2.8 and a Canon 24-105 f/4 lens, two canon flashes. On October 19, George was contacted by the two accused who demanded money in aid for helping him to recover the stolen items.

However, based upon police investigation the two men had received the stolen items from the ‘real thieves’ to sell and return the proceeds.