19-year-old granted bail on child pornography charge

A 19-year-old Cummingsburg resident was on Friday granted bail after being charged with possession of child pornography when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The accused, Neo Glen, stood before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied the allegation. The charge alleges that on September 8, 2025, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, Glen had child pornographic material stored on a computer system.

Glen was represented by attorney-at-law Kiswana Jefford, who argued for bail and informed the court that her client has a history of mental illness. She noted that while he may experience moments of clear thinking, the underlying condition remains. Jefford also highlighted that Glen has no prior criminal record and resides with his mother at a fixed address in Cummings Street, Cummingsburg.
The prosecution opposed bail, stressing the seriousness of the allegation and the potential penalties attached. The prosecutor revealed that investigators had taken Glen for a medical evaluation, which reportedly found no signs of mental illness. It was also disclosed that several of the recovered videos displayed the faces of multiple minors.
According to the prosecution, forensic analysis linked the seized phone to Glen, despite his initial denial of ownership. Further examination uncovered additional videos. The court also heard that while in custody, Glen allegedly requested that his mother not be contacted.
After weighing the submissions, Magistrate McGusty granted bail in the sum of $300,000. As a condition of his release, Glen must report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on the second Friday of every month.

The matter has been adjourned to October 17, 2025 for further hearing.
Under Section 14 of Guyana’s Cybercrime Act (2018), possession or distribution of child pornography is a criminal offence. If convicted summarily in the Magistrates’ Court, offenders face up to five years in prison and a $10 million fine. If tried indictably in the High Court, the penalties increase to 10 years’ imprisonment and a $15 million fine.