A 23-year-old United States resident was fined a total of $3500 when he appeared before the Supreme Court yesterday (June 05th), charged with two counts of Firearm-related Offences.
Alex Julian Guzman of Wyoming, Michigan, had pleaded guilty to the charges on June 02nd. The matter was listed for sentencing yesterday.
Mr. Guzman was ordered to pay the fine forthwith or in default face sixty days imprisonment.
The Court ordered that the firearm and ammunition seized to be destroyed within ninety days and Mr. Guzman’s passport and personal items be returned.
Mr. Guzman had initially appeared before the Supreme Court on May 05th charged.
He was granted $20,000 bail with the following conditions:
1) One or two sureties or $20,000 cash;
2) Visit the Grace Bay Police Station every Wednesday between 8 am -5 pm;
3) Surrender Travel Documents.
The particulars of the offence state that on Tuesday 25th April 2023, at the Providenciales International Airport, Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr. Guzman unlawfully had in his possession a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm license.
Head of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection Superintendent Dean Holden in a brief statement said: “We have clear laws regarding the possession of firearms and ammunition. Embedded in those laws is the required permission needed when in possession of such. The laws apply to everyone and will be enforced”.
Officers of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force investigated the matter.