A resident of Sophia has been formally charged with three counts of armed robbery following a brazen incident last November that left the Ann’s Grove community on edge.

Rafael Hintzel, 33, of Lot 135 Red Road, Sophia, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he faced three charges of Robbery Under Arms. The charges stem from an alleged armed attack on November 4, 2024, along the Ann’s Grove main access road, East Coast Demerara.

According to police reports, Hintzel is accused of robbing three individuals during the incident. The victims have been identified as Dexroy Singh, also known as “Bow,” a 30-year-old barber from Ann’s Grove; Kishon Pompey, known as “Breeze,” a 25-year-old construction worker also from Ann’s Grove; and Lawrence Pellew, called “Delwin,” a 20-year-old construction worker from the Dutch Four Housing Scheme.

Hintzel, who was arrested by police on June 20, 2025, pleaded not guilty to all three charges under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. After hearing the charges, Magistrate Scarce granted him bail in the sum of G$350,000.

The case has been adjourned to August 6, 2025, for report and disclosure of statements as investigations continue. The police have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the alleged robberies or whether any accomplices are being sought.

Residents of Ann’s Grove have expressed concern over the incident, which has heightened calls for increased security and police presence in the area. The outcome of the case is being closely watched as the community seeks justice for the victims and reassurance that such incidents will be addressed with the full weight of the law.