Forty-eight-year-old Venezuelan Alcides Jose Martinez Mejia who appeared before Magistrate Rhondel Weever at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday to answer to the charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition was sentenced to two years imprisonment but will serve one year as the sentences will run concurrently.
It was alleged that on February 2, 2024, while at the Mandela Avenue roundabout, Mejia had in his possession one .38 revolver without a serial number. It was also alleged that he had in his possession two live rounds of .38 ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time. Mejia pled guilty to both charges.
The prosecution told the court that around 22:30 hours on the day in question, the police acting on information received, intercepted motorcar PAA 3211 in which the defendant and his girlfriend were passengers. The car was stopped and a search was conducted. It was stated that the loaded weapon was found tucked in Mejia’s waist. He was asked about his firearm licence to which he replied that he did not have one. Mejia was told of the offence and placed in custody.
During a videoed interview, he confessed to investigators that the firearm belonged to him and stated that he bought it for his own protection. Mejia also told the magistrate, through interpreter Sergeant Roshelle Peters, that he kept the firearm for the protection of the residents at the home where he resides. He stated that he was a police officer in Venezuela and is aware that having a firearm without a licence is a crime.
Recounting the details surrounding his arrest, Mejia said that on the day in question he and his girlfriend boarded a taxi to go to her place to uplift a second set of spare keys she had since she had misplaced the first. He relayed that at that moment a car passed and the occupants of the vehicle disrespected his girlfriend by ‘cat calling’ her. He approached them but did not use the gun or force but rather just asked “why the disrespect”? Magistrate Weever sentenced Mejia to two years’ imprisonment, one year for each charge. However, the sentences will run concurrently.
