35-Yr-Old Admits Possession Of Rifle Magazines
Appearing in Magistrates Court this morning [Sept 30], a 35-year-old man pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and unlawfully possessing two rifle magazines.
Jason DeCouto changed his previous not guilty pleas to guilty in Court today, telling Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo that he was pleading guilty to possession of cannabis and unlawfully possessing two Ruger Mini-14 rifle magazines.
The original drugs possession charge was that Mr DeCouto has possessed the cannabis with intent to supply. The Crown Prosecutor accepted the plea to the lesser offence of possession and the matter proceeded. The cannabis weighed 18.21 grams.
The Crown Prosecutor told the Magistrate that in Pembroke in April 2015, police had cause to stop and search Mr DeCouto who, at the time was in a car. A police sniffer dog had alerted to drugs and a search of the car turned up twists. About $400 in cash was also found.
Police arrested Mr DeCouto and, on the same day, searched his Paget home where the two rifle magazines were found.
A check with the Bermuda Regiment confirmed that the magazines were Regiment property and were functional. This search also turned up over $600 cash.
Through his lawyer, DeCouto told the Magistrate that the rifle magazines had been accidentally retained during his Regimental service.
Magistrate Tokunbo ordered a Social Inquiry Report and set sentencing for 20th November. The Magistrate also warned DeCouto that his being released on bail should not be taken to mean that there would not be a custodial sentence.
Mr DeCouto’s $25,000 bail plus surety was extended until 20th November.
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