The Court of Appeal has reduced prison sentences for five men convicted in separate firearms cases, after finding errors in how their original penalties were calculated. According to Antigua News Room, the court identified multiple sentencing irregularities, prompting the resentencing of all five individuals.
Oszie Kelvin Russell, also known as "Mongoose," had his sentence cut from three years and six months to one year, 10 months and 20 days. Russell had pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol, ammunition, and a suppressor — items police recovered during a search of his Lightfoot home.
Malique Challenger's sentence was reduced from three years and eight months to one year and 10 months after the court determined the wrong firearms classification had been applied in his case. Ricardo Howell also received a shorter term, with his sentence dropping from three years and two months to two years and two months.
Jeson Cedeno was resentenced to time served after the court ruled he had been charged under legislation that was not yet in force at the time of his offence. Jamal Prince's sentence was reduced from three years and five months to two years and 11 months.
The Court of Appeal found that the totality principle had been incorrectly applied in the original rulings issued by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, resulting in additional time being improperly added to each of the sentences.
