Fines amounting to $22,000 levied on McKinnons man convicted for unlawful possession of gun and ammunition
There were several convictions in the St. John’s Magistrates Court this week, including one in which a McKinnons man was fined for gun and ammunition possession.
Reports are that 49-year-old Jermaine King appeared before Magistrate Dane Hamilton Jr. on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm – a Taurus G2s; possession of eight rounds of 9 mm Luger ammunition; and carrying abroad an offensive weapon: a black Mossy Oak knife and a brown-handled ice pick.
King pleaded guilty to the charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, but not guilty to carrying abroad an offensive weapon.
After the Court heard the facts that led to King’s arrest and charges, Magistrate Hamilton convicted and fined him $15,000 for having the illegal firearm in his possession or, in default, two years at His Majesty’s Prison.
King was also fined $7,000 for the unlawful possession of the ammunition; and, in default, he faces a prison term of 18 months.
Because he pleaded not guilty to carrying an offensive weapon, the prosecution withdrew the charge and offered no evidence.
King has until October 31 to pay the fines.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Julian, 40, of St. Johnstons Village, appeared before Magistrate Hamilton on a charge of attempted break-in and pleaded guilty to the offence.
Julian was convicted and fined $1,500, which is to be paid on or before June 30, or, in default, he is to be imprisoned for 30 days.
The court also ordered that he pay $700 in compensation to the victim, on or before April 28, or be imprisoned for 30 days.
In another matter, a Villa resident was convicted and fined for selling alcohol without the requisite license.
Lendys Mercedes Mejia had been charged with selling intoxicating liquor without a license; exposing intoxicating liquor without a license; and failing to affix a business name to the premises.
Two of the charges were withdrawn by the prosecution, but the defendant pleaded guilty to selling intoxicating liquor without a license.
The court then imposed a fine of $500, to be paid in seven days, or, in default, 14 days in His Majesty’s Prison.
