A Venezuelan national, 27-year-old Andreana Jimenez, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to face multiple human trafficking charges tied to the Red Dragon Nightclub on Robb Street and was granted bail in the sum of $1.2 million
Jimenez, a mother of one, was assisted by a translator as she pleaded not guilty to four charges. The allegations include receiving two individuals for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, on August 1, 2024, and between May 5 and August 21, 2024. Additionally, she is accused of trafficking a 14-year-old girl for commercial sexual exploitation and withholding the identification card of one of the other complainants, reportedly confiscating it while acting as the nightclub’s manager on August 1 2024.
Jimenez’s attorney argued that she turned herself in upon learning she was wanted by the police. He further alleged that Jimenez was held beyond the 72-hour detention limit without an extension granted by the court. The defence also claimed that police denied the attorney access to his client, under the pretext of additional charges being filed, suggesting the extended detention was an attempt to harass Jimenez for information.
The attorney noted potential challenges in bringing the alleged victims to court, stating that, to his knowledge, they are no longer in Guyana.
The prosecution opposed bail, deeming Jimenez a flight risk due to her foreign nationality and lack of a fixed Guyanese address, as she had listed the nightclub as her residence. They also expressed concerns about possible interference with the complainants, who are reportedly known to her.
Magistrate McGusty, after weighing the arguments, granted bail in the sum of $300,000 for each of the four charges with strict conditions. Jimenez was ordered to lodge her passport, report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, and have no contact with the complainants. Any breach of these conditions would result in her immediate imprisonment.
Bail was set at $300,000 for each of the three trafficking charges and $100,000 for the charge of withholding identification. Jimenez is scheduled to return to court on December 16, 2024, for statements in the case.