Young father avoids jail time but slapped with $10,000 fine after young couple with newborn baby busted with 13 grams of crack

Posted: Wednesday, August 14, 2024. 10:52 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 24-year-old father from Ladyville, Shakeem Francis Ferguson, was convicted on Tuesday on two counts of possession of controlled drugs after police found 13 grams of crack cocaine at his home on Joe Lewis Street. Ferguson and his 20-year-old common-law wife, Kelly Alexander Sanchez, appeared unrepresented before a Magistrate in Court #2. While Sanchez’s charges were withdrawn after Ferguson took full responsibility, Ferguson pleaded guilty and was spared jail time.

During the hearing, Ferguson requested a sentencing indication and was informed by the Magistrate that while he would not face imprisonment, a significant fine would be imposed due to the severity of the offense. Ferguson, who was facing a possible three-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine, expressed remorse and promised to stay away from illegal activities.

The Magistrate, considering this as Ferguson’s first conviction and his expression of remorse, imposed a non-custodial sentence: a $5,000 fine for each count plus $5.00 in court costs, payable by January 31, 2025. Failure to pay could result in a two-year and six-month prison sentence for each count.

The couple’s home was raided on Monday, August 12, 2024, where police discovered the crack cocaine in the bedroom, with 11 grams parceled in 101 small foil papers and 2 grams found on the floor in a solid block form.

During Sanchez’s arraignment, her 13-day-old newborn baby was outside with a relative. The couple has a 13-day-old daughter.

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The post Young father avoids jail time but slapped with $10,000 fine after young couple with newborn baby busted with 13 grams of crack appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, August 14, 2024. 10:52 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 24-year-old father from Ladyville, Shakeem Francis Ferguson, was convicted on Tuesday on
The post Young father avoids jail time but slapped with $10,000 fine after young couple with newborn baby busted with 13 grams of crack appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.