KINGSTON, Jamaica—A former driver and junior treasury officer for Guardsman Security and his mother who were charged in connection with the theft of $13,750,000 from two National Commercial Bank ATMs on January 5, 2020, have been freed.

Twenty-four-year-old Amir Beckles and his mother 43-year-old Annadean Silvera were freed when they appeared before the St Ann Parish Court on Tuesday with their attorneys, Peter Champagnie and Samoi Campbell.

Beckles was arrested after allegedly confessing to his involvement in the robbery.

However, Beckles’ attorneys, Peter Champagnie KC and Samoi Campbell, highlighted that the confession came after an extensive interview lasting over three hours during which Beckles was without an attorney and was never advised of his rights.

They argued that the confession was not made voluntarily as the interviewer had promised Beckles certain benefits in exchange for his admission. They also argued that for the majority of the interview, Beckles maintained his innocence and only confessed after he was promised benefits for his confession. The confession therefore could not be admitted.

Beckles’ mother, was also charged because during the confession Beckles said that he had given her the stolen money to keep safe. However, there was no evidence to suggest that Silvera was aware of any criminal activity.

The prosecution after reviewing the confession which was video recorded was forced to concede and offer no evidence against both Beckles and Silvera.