Nevispages Reporter
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- Shantez Mintos of Butlers Village who were charged with possession of firearm, possession of ammunition and smuggling made the decision on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 to have his case tried before a judge and jury. This was during an appearance before the District ‘C’ Magistrate Court, Charlestown.
Mintos was arrested after a search was conducted by Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department Enforcement Division which was supported by the Anti-Robbery Team (ART) and the Nevis Task Force on July, 7 2014. The search was on a pick-up truck owned by the Nevis Island Administration. During the extensive search of the vehicle and its contents, the officers discovered a semi-automatic pistol with nine (9) matching rounds of ammunition.
After being remanded in prison for two months, the accused appeared before the District ‘C’ Magistrate Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the three charges.
Her Honor, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke gave Mintos the option whether he wanted his matter to be tried before the Magistrate Court or High Court. Mintos elected for his matter to be tried before the High Court.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Hector told this media house that a Preliminary Inquiry would have to be conducted before the matter goes to the High Court. When asked if the matter would be on the docket for the November 2014 Criminal Assizes, he responded in the negative.