Kentucky Man Charged After Undeclared Firearm Found During St. Thomas Departure Screening

ST. THOMAS — A Kentucky resident has been charged with firearm and ammunition offenses after Customs and Border Protection officers found a gun in luggage during departure screening on July 8 that had not been declared to American Airlines or at the V.I. Police Department’s firearm kiosk. Lee Allen Sumner appeared before Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull on Thursday, when the judge found probable cause to uphold charges of failure to declare a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. His initial $25,000 bail requirement was modified to allow $5,000 to be paid in cash, with the remainder posted as an unsecured bond. Sumner was granted permission to reside in Kentucky while the case proceeds and may attend his July 24 arraignment by Zoom. He must report to the probation office by telephone twice each week and comply with all other standard bail conditions. Customs and Border Protection officers contacted police on the afternoon of July 8 aft...