By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to having 15 firearms and more than $300,000 worth of marijuana in his home on Sandilands Village Road last week.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Kyle Carter, 30, and his mother, Cheryl Key, 59, with possession of firearms with intent to supply, five counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply, two counts of possession of ammunition, three counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, seven counts of possession of a component part of a firearm and three counts of possession of body armour.
Carter faced an additional charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Police reportedly pulled Carter over for recklessly driving a black van on John F Kennedy Drive on May 15. While a small quantity of drugs was found in his possession, a subsequent search of his residence resulted in a major drug and firearm exposure.
Police reportedly seized 15 firearms, including nine 9mm pistols, one .40 pistol, two .45 pistols, an FN Herstal Belgium FS2000 5.6x45 calibre pistol rifle, an AM 15 multi-calibre rifle and an FN Herstal Belgium FS2000 5.6.45 calibre rifle.
Police further confiscated 60 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 121 rounds of .45 ammunition, 100 rounds of .40mm ammunition, 394 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 33 rounds of .223 ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 18 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition and three black bulletproof vests.
Twelve 9mm magazines, two 5.7mm magazines, a tan and black conversion kit frame, a black auto-sear, three 9mm drum magazines, a 9mm double drum magazine and a 7.62x.223 drum magazines were also found.
Police also confiscated 41 marijuana gummies, 145 THC vape packages, 45 THC vape pens, 1.4oz of marijuana and an additional 157.5 lbs of marijuana, which had a street value of $315,000.
Carter pleaded guilty to all charges against him, while his mother pleaded not guilty to her charges.
Ryzard Humes, who represented Carter, argued that the young employed client was remorseful for his actions and pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity to spare the court a lengthy trial. He also noted that the guns were found in the defendant’s home and that Carter had no prior legal problems. The attorney said his client is capable of rehabilitation.
Prosecutor Inspector Deon Barr asked Magistrate Reckley to consider the current climate of gun-related violence when considering the sentencing.
Carter was sentenced to five years in prison for the firearm charges and three years for the drug charges to be served concurrently.
Ms Key was granted bail at $9,500 for one or two sureties. She is expected to sign in at Elizabeth Estates Police Station twice a month.
She will return for a status hearing on her charges on June 18.
Tonique Lewis represented Ms Key.
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