Update: Vanterpool Denied Bail In Gun Case

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Vanterpool left, Freeman right

(PLTM) - Allison Vanterpool, who took full ownership of a gun, found in his vehicle, begged the court for leniency and the opportunity to deal with his matter from the outside, rather than from inside prison walls.

Vanterpool told Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards, “I would like the opportunity for you to give me bail. Put a foot bracelet tracking device, whatever it is; I would like an opportunity to deal with this on the outside.”

Vanterpool, 47, of Josiahs Bay, along with Jazz Freeman, 24, of Fahie Hill, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on July 26, in relation to the find of a gun, live ammunition and drugs, the day prior.

Both men are facing charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Freeman pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Vanterpool, though he took ownership of the items, stated that he would like to have an attorney present.

Drug charges were also brought against the men, to which Freeman pleaded guilty to possession of 5.3 grams and 2.1 grams of cannabis, while Vanterpool is facing a charge in relation to 1.1 grams of weed.

Following Freeman’s not guilty pleas, Vanterpool vouched for the young man by informing the court, “This young man is truthful and had no knowledge of it [gun]. I take full responsibility for what happened yesterday.”

Vanterpool stated that he bought the gun for protection purposes.

Freeman said, “I had no knowledge. Me aint had nothing to do with it.”

As it relates to the drug charges, Freeman begged the court to grant him a fine for the offenses.

“I don’t feel I should go to jail for weed. I rather pay a fine.”

In January, Freeman was placed on a bond to keep the peace for two years, after facing similar drug charges. To this, he told the Magistrate, “You done give me a chance in January and I apologize for breaking a promise with dealing with marijuana. I hope you give me a second chance with a fine instead of sending me to jail.”

In relation to the particulars of the matter, on July 25, while driving at the Waterfront in Road Town, in the vicinity of the Queen Elizabeth Park, officers instructed the men to pull over. Vanterpool was the driver of the vehicle.

The court heard that an officer who was on patrol in the area, while driving next to the vehicle, got a strong whiff of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Immediately, the men told the officer that weed was in the vehicle, which resulted in the find and confiscation of the drug from both men.

During a search of the vehicle, officers proceeded to search a black bag, that Vanterpool identified was his. Vanterpool also allegedly told the officer to be careful, as there was some sort of ‘device’ in the bag.

As the search continued, the court heard that Vanterpool became irate and launched at the officers to get the bag. He was restrained.

A 9mm caliber pistol was found, with four live rounds of explosives.

A search was also conducted on the home of the men, which resulted in the fine of more cannabis at Freeman’s residence.

Freeman was fined a total of $5000 on the drug charges ($3000 and $2000 respectively), and was ordered to pay $500 every two weeks, as soon as he lands a job.

He was offered bail in the sum of $70,000, with a $15,000 cash deposit.

Vanterpool on the other hand was remanded to prison.

Prior her decision, Senior Magistrate Richards noted that the nature of the evidence against Vanterpool is extremely strong.

Both will make another appearance on September 11.

Previous Article Published On July 26--Loaded Firearm Found During Stop & Search

Two persons have been arrested and charged, following the find of a loaded gun in a vehicle they occupied.

The weapon, a 9mm pistol, was found as a result of a routine stop and search conducted by local police officers yesterday, July 25, on Waterfront Drive, in the vicinity of the Queen Elizabeth Park.

Jazz Freeman, 24, of Fahie Hill, and Allison Vanterpool, 47, of Josiahs Bay, were the occupants of the vehicle. The two are now charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

An additional charge of unlawful possession of cannabis was also laid against both men, as the drug was also found during the search.

A search on Freeman’s home was also conducted, and drugs were found on the premises. He was slapped with an additional charge for this find.

Both will make an appearance at the Magistrate's Court sometime this week.

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