Firearm and Ammunition Charge Results in Three-Year Jail Term for St. Lucian

Barbara 30th September, 2023

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In an unexpected legal development, Ruben William, a St. Lucian residing in Dominica, has been sentenced to three years in prison for charges related to the possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentence was handed down during a recent court appearance before the Roseau Magistrate Court. This incident, which led to William’s arrest and subsequent charges, occurred on September 22, 2023.

The events unfolded when Police Constable Laurent, along with other members of the Drug Squad and Task Force, were conducting their customary mobile patrols and vehicular checkpoints along Dominica’s West Coast. At approximately 5:45 p.m., as they patrolled an area near Cuba Road in Mero, their attention was drawn to a white single-cab pickup truck bearing the license plate TN623.

Upon signaling the driver, identified as Mr. Ruben William, to stop, William promptly complied. PC Laurent introduced himself and his team and proceeded to request William’s driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance. William informed the officers that the vehicle was a rental. Although this statement initially seemed routine, William’s behavior raised suspicion as he exhibited signs of nervousness.

Subsequently, the officers instructed both William and another occupant to exit the vehicle for a search. During this search, they discovered a nondescript grey sack concealed behind the driver and passenger seats. The sack contained an enigmatic, elongated object. When questioned about its contents, William cryptically replied, “Officer, it’s a thing I have there.” The sack was opened, revealing a single black and brown 20-gauge shotgun.

Further investigation revealed that Ruben William did not possess a valid firearm license. During the subsequent court hearing, Defense Attorney Julien Prevost, representing William, appealed for leniency. Prevost highlighted William’s significant contributions to Dominica’s post-Hurricane Maria recovery efforts and emphasized that imposing a custodial sentence on William, who was still recovering from a recent illness, would not be in the public’s interest.

However, Magistrate Michael Laudat, presiding over the case, expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating prevalence of gun-related activities in Dominica. He underscored the necessity of sending a strong deterrent message to address this issue. Consequently, William received a three-year prison sentence for possessing the Remington 20-gauge shotgun and an additional three years for the live 20-gauge ammunition round. Significantly, both sentences are to be served concurrently, reflecting the court’s uncompromising stance on firearm-related offenses.

Ruben William, who had previously contributed to Dominica’s recovery efforts, now finds himself serving a prison sentence, a stark reminder of the consequences of firearm-related charges in the nation.