United States national Jason James Grogg along with his wife and children who on April 18, 2023, was arrested and charged for gun and ammunition-related offenses is now a free man after paying the forthwith fine imposed by the court on May 2, 2023. All the charges against his children were dropped by the State. He was given a “forthwith fine” but his lawyers had asked the court for time to get the money.
The defendant was present and represented by Julian Prevost while The prosecution was represented by the Learned Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Sherma Darylmple.
Grogg then informed the Court that he possessed the relevant means that a forthwith sentence could be imposed on him.
Presiding Magistrate Michael Laudat, reminded the defendant that “notwithstanding the fact that it was not adhering to the Sentencing Guidelines, he would receive discounts for his guilty plea at the first opportune time and not having put the Court through a protracted trial, the fact that he was a first-time offender and that he had assisted the investigations throughout.”
He was also informed, that the offenses committed at the Woodbridge Bay Port would be compounded, and likewise, the offences committed at his residence in Belfast.
Sentence of the Court
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0244 A: Possession of Firearm – defendant fined $18,000.00 forthwith or in default 6 months imprisonment. The firearm is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0244 B: Possession of Ammunition – defendant given no separate penalty with DOMMCR2023/0244 A. Ammunition is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0245 B: Possession of Firearm – defendant fined $7,000.00 forthwith or in default 6 months imprisonment. The firearm is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0245 A: Possession of Firearm – defendant given no separate penalty with DOMMCR2023/0245 B. Firearm is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/024 C: Possession of Ammunition – defendant given no separate penalty with DOMMCR2023/0245 B. Ammunition is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0246 A: Possession of Ammunition – defendant given no separate penalty with DOMMCR2023/0245 B. Ammunition is forfeited to the state.
- Complaint DOMMCR2023/0246 B: Possession of Firearm – defendant given no separate penalty with DOMMCR2023/0245 B. Firearm is forfeited to the state. The total fine was EC$25,000.00
Meantime, DPP Sherma Darylmple informed the Court, that the Prosecution was offering no further evidence on both complaints of trafficking against Grogg and his wife Jennifer. Both complaints were struck off for Want of Prosecution and both accused duly discharged.