By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Court Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was fined in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in relation to charges of drugs and money-laundering.
Gerry Fenelice, 50, represented by Attorney Moses Bain, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on two charges. While he was initially charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, this charge was reduced to simple possession.
Fenelice also faced a charge of money-laundering.
At around 2.40pm on August 9, Fenelice was arrested by police after he was found in a vacant yard in Bain Town with three grams of Indian Hemp in seven foil wrappings. During his arrest $322 cash was found on his person. The money was confiscated by authorities as they believed it to be the proceeds of crime.
In court, Fenelice pleaded guilty to the charges. He also admitted that he takes the drugs to help deal with pain from a bladder stone condition.
During his plea of mitigation, Mr Bain said that his client is employed as a mason and is a dedicated father. In addition to citing Fenelice’s age, Mr Bain implored the court not to impose a custodial sentence on his client as he had a clean record up to this point.
The magistrate imposed two $500 fines on both charges or the risk of a six month sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).
Fenelice’s case was adjourned for mention on September 8.
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