Mugshot of Jeffery Lewis. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A traffic stop over the weekend led to firearm and ammunition charges after police say officers found an unlicensed handgun among a driver’s belongings.
Police said officers were on patrol early Saturday morning when a Toyota SUV ran a red light at the intersection of Veterans Drive and Raadets Gade.
After pulling the vehicle over, officers patted down the driver, identified as Jeffery Lewis. According to police, Lewis informed officers that he had marijuana in his pocket, and officers then decided to search the vehicle.
During the search, police found a backpack containing a 9mm firearm with a 12-round capacity magazine. The magazine contained “several” cartridges, according to police, along with one round chambered in the gun.
Lewis reportedly admitted that he did not have a license to carry a firearm in the territory. He later told police that he had the weapon for “protection.”
He was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Mr. Lewis was remanded into custody pending his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Monday, Magistrate Julie Smith Todman set bail at $50,000, with Lewis allowed to post 20% in cash to secure his release ahead of trial.
Once released, Mr. Lewis must report to the probation office in person each week and comply with a daily 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.
He is also banned from attending all St. John Carnival activities, along with St. Thomas Carnival activities in 2027 if the case remains pending.
Lewis’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 2.
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