By Alric Lindsay
55-year-old Mitchell Chean Ebanks was sentenced to nine years in prison today, November 12, 2024, for the possession of a submachine gun, being a 9 millimetre L17 handgun fitted with an automatic sear (Glock Switch) and ammunition. Ebanks previously pled guilty to both charges.
Background
Reportedly, on May 30, 2024, police executed a search warrant at Ebanks’ residence and uncovered a backpack containing a firearm, multiple cartridges, and three magazines, including one with an extended capacity.
The firearm, based on the Glock 17 framework, lacked a serial number, making it completely untraceable. Moreover, the weapon was equipped with an automatic sear, commonly known as a “Glock Switch,” which enabled it to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. The firearm continued to discharge until the magazine was empty.
Among the magazines seized, one had a capacity of 30 rounds, another held 17 rounds, and the third could accommodate up to 100 rounds. In total, authorities recovered 29 rounds of ammunition alongside the firearm, highlighting the serious nature of this situation.
During the thorough search of Ebanks’ closet, officers discovered 11.6 ounces of cocaine in a brown bag. Furthermore, 1.8 ounces of ganja were located in his fridge.
Ebanks claimed he found the backpack on the beach and had no intention of using the firearm. However, he admitted to keeping the cocaine for personal use.
Sentencing
In relation to the offences, the Crown proposed a minimum mandatory sentence of 7 years for Ebanks due to firearm possession, suggesting an additional 3 years because of aggravating factors.
The Court concurred, sentencing Ebanks to 7 years and adding 2 years for the aggravating factors, resulting in a total of 9 years.
Ebanks was also sentenced to 3 years for possession of ammunition; however, this sentence will run concurrently with the 9-year sentence mentioned above.
The charges related to cocaine and ganja have been referred to the Summary Court and are scheduled to be heard on November 14.
