Vermont teen jailed for three and a half years on gun, ammo charges

A very powerful handgun is now off the streets and so too is Ricardo Williams.

The 19-year-old Vermont resident was on Tuesday, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, sentenced to three and a half year’s imprisonment for possession of a .45 pistol and six months in jail for possession of two rounds of ammunition.{{more}}

The sentences will run concurrently.

The court heard that on August 7, at about 7:40 p.m., a party of Rapid Response Unit (RRU) personnel were on their way to a home in Layou to execute a search warrant in respect of a gun and ammunition. On their way to the house, Williams was encountered walking along the road. When the officers asked if they could search him, he ran into the house, where he was caught.

The officers told him of their business and searched the house, but nothing illegal was found. Williams then carried the police officers to the back of the yard, where the weapon was found.

He was later charged with the offences.

Gazetted ballistic expert Sergeant 211 Caine told the court that the weapon is ranked among the top 10 most powerful guns in the world and has a firing distance of up to 50 metres.

Caine further indicated that the weapon, one of the newest models, is semi-automatic and also carries one of the largest bullets.

Counsel for Williams Grant Connell told the court in his plea in mitigation that his client cooperated fully with the police from the inception.

“He showed the officers where the gun was. He’s the father of two and a virgin to the law up until now,” Connell stated.

He said Williams’ actions on that day were a manifestation of ignorance of youth. Connell explained that his client went to an area with other friends who found the firearm and had left it in the area where it was found because of fear of being found in possession of it.

“It wasn’t his intention to use it. He didn’t brandish it. His actions were to carry it to the police.

“That firearm is now off the streets. He’s not a hardened criminal. He’s the sole breadwinner of his little family and I humbly submit a significant fine and bond in the circumstances, your honour,” Connell submitted.

Magistrate Carla James, in response, told Connell such offences generally warrant custodial sentences, despite early guilty pleas.(KW)