Correctional officer allegedly caught with illegal gun and ammunition granted bail

A correctional officer who was reportedly held with an illegal weapon during a traffic stop in Kingston in February was today offered $1.5 million bail.

The 35-year-old defendant, Richard Newton, was offered bail in the Gun Court by Justice Lisa Palmer Hamilton following an application by his attorney D'Ondre Buchanan.

Newton is charged with possession of prohibited weapon and possession of unauthorised ammunition. 

The condition of his bail included reporting to the police station and surrendering his travel documents with a stop order in place. He was also given a curfew order.

The allegations are that around 2:30 a.m. on February 23, a police team was on patrol when they stopped a motor vehicle in which Newton and two other men were travelling.

Newton exited the vehicle and was reportedly observed with a Glock 19 bulging at his waist. The weapon had a magazine with 9 nine-millimetre rounds.

He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Attorney-at-law John Jacobs also represented Newton.

- Tanesha Mundle

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