FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- William Stephanos, age 31 years, who is an American citizen and a resident of Florida, was attempting to leave Freeport, Grand Bahama on a flight to Florida, when a routine search was conducted of him and his luggage.

The search revealed an unlicensed firearm and ammunitions which resulted in his arrest at the Freeport International Airport, on Sunday 27th September, 2009 at approximately 12:35pm.

At 1:30pm, Monday 28th September, 2009, Stephanos was arraigned in Magistrate's Court No.1 before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson and he pleaded "guilty" to the two charges. He was convicted and fined $3,000.00 or two years at Her Majesty's Prison on the charge of Possession of Unlicensed Firearm. On the second charge for the ammunitions, he was fined $3,000.00 or one year at her Majesty's Prison - sentences to run concurrently.

Submitted by ASP Loretta Mackey