A manager of a ranch in the Rupununi was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with the unlawful possession of a rifle.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown, Jenel James, the Manager of B & D Ranch, pleaded not guilty to the charge that on November 9th at Manari, Central Rupununi, she had .38 special rifle in her possession.
James, 36, of St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, was represented by attorney Jerome Khan, who told the court that on the day of the discovery of the weapon there were other persons at the ranch who were also arrested. He went on to make a bail request, while saying that there was multiple occupancy of the site where the weapon was found.
Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence, its prevalence and the penalty it attracts.
According to the prosecutor, the police, acting on information, went to the ranch and conducted a search of James’ apartment. He added that the search was done in the presence of James and led to the discovery of the rifle on top of a cupboard.
The court heard that after the discovery, James, under caution, admitted to owning the firearm, while stating that she uses it for her personal protection.
Chief Magistrate McLennan denied bail while noting that based on the prosecution’s case, there was no special reasons for her to grant James her release.
James was subsequently remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned until November 28th, when it will be called at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
