Tourist Fined $750 After 9 Millimetre Ammunition Found In Backpack While Departing The Owen Roberts International Airport. Court Ordered An Absolute Discharge & No Conviction Was Recorded.
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By Alric Lindsay
Christopher Logan Ballow, a visitor from Texas, appeared in the Summary Court today, August 6, 2025, to face a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm in the form of 9 millimetre ammunition. Cayman authorities made the discovery when Ballow was preparing to depart the Cayman Islands. After hearing arguments from lawyers, the Chief Magistrate fined Ballow $750 and ordered an absolute discharge, with no conviction recorded.
Background and sentencing
According to Senior Crown Counsel Kenneth Ferguson from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, on July 26, 2025, Ballow was at the airport departure security checkpoint preparing to board an American Airlines flight to Houston.
During X-ray scanning of his backpack, ammunition was detected by a security officer. The security officer alerted Customs and Border Control officers, who then escorted Ballow to a CBC room where he was cautioned.
Upon recovery of the 9mm ammunition round from Ballow’s backpack, it was tested and found to be viable ammunition.
When the question arose about the ammunition, Ballow reportedly explained to CBC officers that his luggage, including the backpack, was inspected in the United States and had transited two airports without issues before his arrival in the Cayman Islands. Reportedly, Ballow was unaware of the ammunition’s presence. He asserted he unknowingly possessed or transported it, clarifying the backpack was for diving purposes and that, as a registered nurse in the United States, he had no intention of bringing ammunition into the island.
Arguing on Ballow’s behalf, Attorney James Stenning emphasised that Ballow has no previous convictions and is a man of ‘utmost good character’.
Stenning added that Ballow is an intensive care nurse and has been qualified for nine years. He had also actively volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic and has made significant contributions to caring for and saving lives in his jurisdiction.
Stenning then set out character references provided on Ballow’s behalf, which highlighted his altruism, strong moral compass, diligence, and integrity, noting his work in caring for patients’ safety.
Stenning described the incident as a regrettable mistake; a 9mm round for his lawfully owned Glock handgun somehow got stuck in the seam of his bag. It was not spotted by numerous security agents at other airports. Notwithstanding this, Stenning said Ballow accepted fault and gave early admissions, providing all documentation.
Stenning cited the cases of Patrick Edwards (4 bullets, $4,500 fine, absolute discharge) and Ryan Carson (1 bullet, $2,000 fine, absolute discharge), arguing for an absolute discharge given the single bullet and Ballow’s exceptional character and service. Stenning also highlighted the financial impact of hotel expenses, lost time, and the risk to his job and professional license if a conviction were recorded.
After hearing from DPP Senior Crown Counsel and Defence Counsel, the Chief Magistrate said that it was unfortunate that Ballow found himself in court; however, she accepted that the presence of the ammunition in his bag was “absolutely inadvertent”, i.e., he had no intention of bringing the bullet to the Cayman Islands.
The Chief Magistrate added:
I rank this as low in culpability and in harm.
You were on your way out.
You had actually travelled through different airports on your way here, and nothing was detected.
The Chief Magistrate continued:
Your character references are impeccable.
You are a man of previous good character and I find no need to actually hurt your career because of an inadvertent and unintended act.
In the circumstances, I give you an absolute discharge with no conviction recorded.
Ballow was ordered to pay the crown $750 or serve seven days in prison in default of payment. The ammunition was ordered forfeited and destroyed.
