By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN American man who was found with a small bag of marijuana must pay $400 to avoid prison.
Police arrested Elijah Guy after they found a half ounce of Indian hemp in his vehicle on July 3.
He pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession during his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.
The court was told that around 12.40am on the morning in question, officers on mobile patrol in the Pinewood Gardens area observed Guy walking. The prosecution said at the time, the accused appeared to look in the direction of the officers before throwing a black bag into a vehicle. The officers then approached Guy and informed him he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. The court was told that the officers did not find any contraband on the accused during their investigation; however, when they retrieved the bag from his car, they discovered a small quantity of marijuana. When they questioned Guy, he told them he had the drugs for his personal use.
During the hearing, Guy’s attorney, Bernardo Ferguson, told the magistrate his client was extremely remorseful for his actions. He also said the accused pleaded guilty at his first opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time.
As a result, Magistrate McKinney fined Guy $400. He warned him if he failed to pay the fine, he could risk spending one month in prison.
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