Prison Sentences for Group of Men Involved in Three Armed Robberies in Aruba

Group Sentenced for Armed Aruba Robberies – On Tuesday morning, Judge Hues sentenced four men—Z.T., J.A., D.P., and A.F.—who were accused of committing three violent robberies with threats and the use of firearms on August 3, 2025.

Only Z.T. and J.A. appeared in court, as D.P. and A.F. chose not to attend their sentencing, remaining in KIA (Aruba’s detention center).

Prosecutor’s Demand:
In January 2026, the case was presented, and the prosecutor requested the following sentences:

• J.A.: 4 years in prison, 6 months of which are conditional.

• D.P.: 3 years in prison, with 6 months conditional and 3 years of probation.

• Z.T.: 3 years in prison.

• A.F.: 12 months in prison.

The prosecutor also requested conditional sentences for the majority of the accused, as they committed the crimes during their probation period.

Verdict:
Judge Hues reviewed the case and concluded that J.A. admitted to robbing individuals at Coconuts, Kalibra (South Beach), and Lekker Bar & Restaurant (Noord). J.A.’s defense argued self-defense after choking a victim, but the judge ruled this was not self-defense but rather an act of vengeance. The judge also noted that J.A. acted as the aggressor and could not claim self-defense.

The judge sentenced J.A. to 36 months in prison, with 8 months conditional, and 3 years of probation. During probation, J.A. will undergo guidance from Reclassering (the Dutch probation service).

For Z.T., the judge found insufficient evidence for charges related to the Calibra robbery but convicted him of threatening people at Coconuts, committing public violence at Kalibra, threatening people at Lekker Bar, and possession of a firearm in the car. Z.T. was sentenced to 2 years in prison.

As for D.P., the judge found him guilty of violence at Kalibra and possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with 6 months conditional and 3 years of probation.

A.F. was found guilty of violence at Kalibra and for kicking a police officer. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, considering his prior drug convictions.

In all cases, the sentences included conditional periods due to the serious nature of their crimes, and the court emphasized the need for rehabilitation.