Man Pleads Guilty to Modified Flare Gun Possession, Co-Accused Walk Free

One of four men charged with possessing a modified flare gun pleaded guilty today, while charges against his three co-accused were withdrawn by the prosecution.

Nineteen-year-old Jeremy Floyd of No. 3 George Street entered his guilty plea before Acting Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel and was remanded in custody until January 5th for sentencing.

His co-accused—19-year-old Niah Joseph of No. 2 George Street, 21-year-old Devontia Summer of No. 3 George Street, and 21-year-old Duran Benjamin of Green Bay Hill—all pleaded not guilty. The prosecution subsequently withdrew the charges against the trio.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Saturday, December 27th, when police officers conducting mobile patrols across multiple areas of the island stopped and searched a silver Honda Fit motorcar occupied by the four men.

During the approximately 3:10 p.m. stop, which occurred as part of patrols covering Grays Farm, Green Bay, Hatton, Five Islands, Hawksbill Beach, Yeptons, and Deep Bay, officers discovered a modified flare gun concealed under a seat in the vehicle.

All four occupants were arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with Possession of a Modified Flare Gun.

Floyd’s guilty plea differentiates his case from his co-accused, leading to their release while he awaits sentencing in the New Year.

Modified flare guns are considered prohibited weapons under Antigua and Barbuda law, as they can be altered to fire live ammunition, making them dangerous firearms.

Floyd will return to court on January 5th when Acting Chief Magistrate Emanuel is expected to hand down his sentence.