US businessman charged in Jamaica's gun bust to seek bail next week

An American businessman, accused of purchasing five firearms discovered at a Kingston warehouse last March, is set to seek bail on November 23 in the Gun Court. 

The 32-year-old defendant, Fitzroy Johnson, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, was apprehended at Norman Manley International Airport on November 3.

Charges and co-conspirators

Johnson faces charges of conspiracy to illegally import firearms and ammunition. 

According to reports, he is the third foreign national entangled in the gun discovery, which also unveiled 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Four additional individuals implicated in the case, including the alleged mastermind and two other foreigners, had their bail extended and are expected to return to court on December 14 for a plea and case management hearing. 

A trial date has been scheduled for May 13 of next year.

The alleged mastermind and accomplices

Godfrey Martin, known as ‘Rev,’ a St. Elizabeth businessman, was apprehended and charged with conspiracy to illegally import firearms and conspiracy to illegally import ammunition. 

Sherilyn McLean, the girlfriend of the 51-year-old businessman, also faces charges related to the case.

Thirty-six-year-old Jermaine Baker, a chef from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and 42-year-old Dervan Brown, a construction worker from Bronx, New York, are also charged.

Dervan Brown, who was also charged in the matter, was shot and killed in Spanish Town, St. Catherine on November 6.

Their charges stem from their association with the discovery of the illegal firearm on March 4, 2022.

The warehouse discovery

The startling discovery comprised three rifles, 18 handguns, and an excess of 2,000 rounds of ammunition. 

The revelation unfolded after customs officers detected a suspicious package and promptly summoned the Contraband Enforcement Team.