Magistrate Michael Laudat has stated he is not inclined to impose a custodial sentence against US national Jason James Grogg, 44, who has pleaded guilty to possession of several rounds of ammunition and a firearm. However, before imposing a fine, Laudat has ordered a financial assessment or means test to determine Grogg’s ability to pay for his crimes.
When the matter returned to court on April 25, 2023, State attorney attached to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Marie Louise Pierre-Louis presented the facts of the case to the court. The previous day, Grogg had pleaded guilty to seven charges which included possession of one black and grey Glock 19 pistol, 15 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and four Glock 19 magazines each containing 15 rounds of ammunition found at his home in Belfast Mahaut on April 17 and 18, 2023.
Additionally, 17 20-gauge Winchester ammunition and the two camouflage magazine pouches, each containing two (2) 5.56 magazines, with each magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition totalling one hundred and twenty rounds (120) of 5.56 ammunition found in a container which he possessed.
On Monday the Director of Public Prosecution, Sherma Dalrymple withdrew the seven complaints against his wife and 18-year-old daughter following his guilty plea.
Facts
On Monday, April 17, 2023, based on reliable information received, Constable Leron Bruno who is attached to the Anti-Crime Task Force, applied for and obtained a search warrant to search a premise in Belfast, Mahaut, where the Groggs reside, for illegal firearms and ammunition.
Later that day at about 2:30 p.m., Sergeant Lindon Timothy, Constable Leron Bruno, other police officers from the Anti-Crime Task Force Unit, and the members of the Customs and Excise Division went on duty to execute the warrant. On arrival at Grogg’s house in Belfast, he was met at the entrance of his home. The officers identified themselves and informed him of the warrant they had in their possession and subsequently commenced their search.
While searching the bedroom which is occupied by Grogg, one Gray and black Glock 19 pistol serial number BATY153, fitted with a laser sight, with one loaded Glock 9mm magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition along with one empty Glock 19 magazine was found. When questioned about the firearm and ammunition discovered Grogg responded, “It’s [mine], I was the one who purchased it in the States.”
Constable Bruno further asked Grogg whether he had any other personal belongings or property in Dominica, and he informed the officer that he was in possession of a 40-foot container that was on the compound of the Mahaut Gospel Tabernacle church for which he had the keys. At the conclusion of the search of his premises, Grogg along with the firearm and ammunition was transported to the Roseau Police Station. Along the way, he pointed out to the officers the container on the church compound.
The container was seized by Customs and Excise officials and transported to the Wood Bridge Bay Port at Fond Cole where it was secured. On arrival at Police Headquarters, Grogg was taken to the office of the Anti-Crime Task Force and later that night he was informed that he was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of firearms and ammunition without a valid
license.
The following day, April 18, 2023, the matter was handed over to Sergeant Timothy to continue investigations.
At about 10:30 a.m. that day, Sergeant Timothy, Constable Bruno, and other police officers went on duty at the Wood Bridge Bay Port at Fond Cole, where they conducted a joint operation with personnel from the Customs and Excise
Division. While on the port, the forty-foot container bearing serial # FXLU9112883 which Grogg identified as his was searched in the presence of him and his attorney Jilane Prevost.
During the search of the forty-foot container, 17 20-gauge Winchester ammunition was found, along with two camouflage magazine pouches, each containing Two (2) 5.56 magazines, with each magazine containing 30 rounds
of 5.56 ammunition totalling one hundred and twenty rounds (120).
When questioned about the discovery Grogg responded, “They are mine; they are not supposed to be here.” He further admitted that he was not the holder of a firearm importers license.
Having received certain information, later that same day, Sergeant Timothy applied for and obtained another search warrant to again search the premises in Belfast, Mahaut where Grogg resided. During the search of a bedroom which is occupied by one of Grogg’s children, two 9mm Glock magazines each containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition were found.
At the scene, he made no remarks about the finding but during a subsequent written interview in the presence of his lawyer, the defendant stated “When I saw that I had brought the firearm and ammunition down in error, I removed them from the container, I put them in that suitcase, and I carried them to the house.”
He further revealed that he along with other friends and relatives packed the container. Although he admitted ownership of the firearms and ammunition Grogg however stated they were shipped to Dominica “accidentally.”
Consequently, the charge of possession of firearms and ammunition was preferred against Grogg.
Plea in mitigation
During a plea in mitigation, defense attorney Jilane Prevost who represents Grogg along with Julien Prevost told the court that their client was a Christian missionary, who migrated to Dominica temporarily for the sole purpose of
conducting philanthropic work.
She stated, prior to his arrival, Grogg was closely associated with the philanthropic charity organization and churches in Dominica.
The attorney said, upon taking residency in Mahaut, Grogg and his family have been warmly welcomed and respected as they have been known for their charitable works, including Bible school and vocational training in carpentry, which Grogg hosted and taught to young boys in that community.
She averred, before her client arrived in Dominica he was a member of the National Rifle Association in the USA, wherein he taught voluntary firearm safety training for about 15 years.
“He is well versed on the safe use of various firearms, and this is the reason why he was the handler of various types of firearms and ammunition,” she told the court.
“He did not require a license for those firearms in Indiana, USA. Mr. Grogg sold all his firearms, including over 30 rifles to help finances [for] migration to Dominica. He had no intention to travel or import into Dominica any of the firearm and ammunition,” adding that he was unaware that the offensive items were in his container.
She urged the court to grant the mandatory one-third discount for his guilty plea and to temper justice with mercy for Grogg for his full cooperation with the police, his lack of a criminal record prior to his arrest, his good character, and his family’s dependency on him as the sole financial provider.
In conclusion of her plea in mitigation, Prevost averred, given the circumstances, the court should impose a noncustodial sentence but a “reasonable fine” against Grogg.
Magistrate’s decision
The maximum penalty on summary conviction of possession of firearm and ammunition is a fine of $20,000.00 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years, or fine and confinement.
Magistrate Laudat posited the court is aware that the new sentencing guidelines regarding firearm-related offenses must be applied unless the court is to deviate from the guidelines in the public’s interest.
“Possession of firearm and ammunition are serious offenses in the Commonwealth of Dominica especially when an entity of the State is used during the commissioning of the crime.”
He further voiced concerns over the escalation of firearm-related offenses in Dominica which according to him has brought an outcry from the general public.
“It is not in the public’s interest and the interests of justice for this court to adhere to the sentencing guidelines. To do so would be a “mockery” of the administration of justice and remove the confidence of the public in the judicial system.”
Laudat continued, “A message must be sent out loud and clear that illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions will not be tolerated or welcomed in Dominica due to its visible impact.”
He averred that the sentencing guideline does not take away the discretion that the Magistrate has to impose a sentence which will increase the public’s confidence in the administration of justice as there is a need for the court to
promote public confidence.
Recognizing that Grogg is a first-time offender, assisted with the investigation, and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, Laudat said he is not inclined to impose a custodial sentence. When questioned on his ability to pay a forthwith fine, Grogg was unable to provide the court with a satisfactory response.
Despite his attorney’s attempts to sway the court in imposing a fine with time to pay, Magistrate Laudat said that the court will not grant this request to a nonnational. Pursuant to section 104 of the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure, Grogg was remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison pending his submission of his financial records to the court The matter was adjourned to May 5, 2023, unless his attorney can “move the court” before this date.
Although the DPP withdrew the seven summary charges against his wife Jennifer Elaine Grogg, she is still jointly charged with her husband on two indictable charges of trafficking firearms and ammunition into Dominica. Her attorneys did not make a bail application and she too was remanded into custody at the prison.
Hehehe, this guy an his wife is using charity to smuggle their guns in Dominica, who knows how many guns he have sold to people on the island. The police need to find out how many people he has recruited. Base on the police report this is not a normal situation. There is a lot more people involved.
Dominica has been on the map for all the wrong reasons since 20+years ago. Just look around and see the types of people (foreigners) who live amongst us. Harlots, gamblers, whore houses from Portsmouth to Roseau are owned and run by foreigners, gun-runners, drug pushers, kidnappers, murderers, land squatters and thieves just to name a few. Not forgetting the Chinese who are constantly fighting to control the world – The need to be pushed out. Our beloved country is no more beloved. I’m ashamed of it. It’s own people have sold her to the Chinese for 30 pieces of Silver. And that means, such bloody money will have similar repercussions to these merchants as it did to Judas. Blood money never sleeps. It’s the worst KARMA one could experience. So please, Sir. GIVE DOMINICA BACK HER BILLIONS BEFORE YOU REGRET MORE. KARMA IS NO JOKE, Sir. Stop “running things” and give us back our things. We are the ones running things; not you. Jack-Uss Teef.
Nothing we say here on DNO means nothing. “IRUNTHINGS” is in total control. So let’s keep wasting time on here. Brovo Coco. This is Dominica today. The saka boy doesn’t want America to send down the FBI, so he will stay up all night figuring how to send this crook out the back door.
Shame on you, You must have come straight out of a septic tank to write such pre-school Bulls**t
Don’t just fine the man there needs to be done deterrence. All they do is pay a fine and do it again. You jail the locals for the same thing. Are you afraid the U.S will send troops in to free him? They are already here, he is the typical sleeper cell they use on you the 3rd World.
How much can he pay? Is that reserved only for white folk? Very interesting….hats of to the Law Enforcement Authorities…great job…but I am troubled but how swift this case is moving yet the other cases of illegal gun seems to be dieing a slow death…is it that ppl in high places didn’t have a cut in this prize? Are the Policy makers really serious about illegal Importation of guns?…seems like the Authorities do the work but not much in place to ensure the case moves as swiftly as this one and that tough penalties are delivered…we are left to wonder why person charged with such crimes are walking around before the case call….this is utter MADNESS
This man is a liar . He also brought in a vehicle and lied to customs saying it was for a Charity and illegally signed documents to release it off the port. He didn’t pay duty and was arrested and charged. What happened to those charges. Also malicious damage of the property he lived in. The man knocked out beams and pillars saying he was renovating but had no permission to destroy the person place. He took Dominica and Dominicans for fools.. There is a website trying to raise funds to help him cos Mr is ether broke or playing broke. This man was pushing far right cult vibes and his blog clearly showed that. Mr is Dangerous!!!!
I compliment the law enforcement, customs officers and all others for a job well done. Note that this man has been affiliated with firrearms for over 30 years he knew the proper procedure to obtain a firearm in addition to that he could have requested for a valid license or permit. I am sure that the entire family knows how to properly use those weapons. According to his lawyer he sold his weapons in the states to help with his humanitarian work, why would he have a few weapons in his house and container? I can understand if one weapon made it to Dominica but not more than that, his weapon should have been a Bible.
His weapon IS the Bible. That’s how It has been used against you since 1492 when the Vatican authorized Spain and Portugal to enslave who he called you pagans and infidels(Africans).
I know you’re not quite aware, but that’s how it has always been done.
So how about the 20mm military grade or anti-tank? Where is the weapon used to fire it?
Fine him big ,and let him pay for his keeps,in prison, for too long white people think that they can do what they want in other people’s country, although the money will be used for government personnel use,
A clear and strong message should be sent by imposing the maximum sentence of fine and imprisonment. Let all would-be traffickers understand that we are serious about illegal guns on island.
Also, keep them remanded at the state prison until sentencing since they are a flight risk.
That will never happen. If I’m. Or mistaken Dominica signed an agreement along with other OECS memebers that shud a US citizen commits a crime thy shud be turned over tomUS authorities to serve time in a us facility. Sorry to burst ur bubbles.
Mr.DNO,as I have posted before,the container was not searched in the USA.The USA is more concerned about what comes into the country that what leaves.As a military person I know the ammunition found in the container,except the 5.56 caliber and the 9mm, those weapons are better used when they mounted on vehicles,and are used in allout war.Even the 550 round per minute M60,7.62 caliber machine gun which the police have is more effective on a bi- pod or tri- pod.The AK47 also use 7.62 caliber.It is strange no 7.62 caliber were found.The puzzle for me is the ammo is in the container where are the guns.There are a large number of illegal 9mm Glock pistols in Dominica.The M16,5.56 rifles are used by the police.17-20 guage Winchester,guage is what we refere to as BORE in Dominica.12 guage,16 guage and 20 guage,although they are long in length we call them shortguns.How did all these ammunition pass through customs?………………………………………………..
LinFool, we do not call them SHORT GUNS the word is SHOTGUN! They have nothing to do with length. Its just that fools like you hear SHOT and assume is SHORT so a picture of length comes to your mind. What a military background you have eh,. which military school you attended, google? The word shotgun come from its ability to fire hastily its small pellets or shotshells. Skerrit boomboom flies always daft
I’m 👀 watching to see if preferential treatment will be given to the white folks. I hope not. A strong message must be sent to all who are caught with illegal arms and ammunition in Dominica, no exceptions, as no one is above the law, irrespective of color of skin, political affiliation. religious affiliation, financial status, etc. No one is above the law.
How much he can afford to pay sounds like a loophole that the court is trying to exploit to give this bastard a slap on the wrist. Deport the mother and her children
to America and let them apply for food stamps. They will be able to survive in the US. 👀. I’m watching.
In the court system it’s all about presedent.his lawyers will based his defense on similar cases and the sentence of prior cases in the jurisdiction. So they are whites ppl want the book thrown at them. When its the good for nothing wanna be gangsters them same folks here saying is jealousy, nothing to do and man have to hustle so free up the man..the way the talk was rolling one would swear is hundreds of guns wii. Let the man pay his 2 thousand dollars and go bout his business. The authorities have never been serious about combating illegal fire arms. If they did a popular business proprietor in the Portsmouth area would have been penalized a few years ago.
After he has served his time and paid his fine, please have him deported back to America. We cannot allow hooligans like Jason James Grogg continuing to live in our beautiful and peaceful country. I consider Jason to be a criminal with criminal intentions and, therefore, should be expatriated to his country of origin. Please impose a heavy fine on him and have his guns and ammunition confiscated at once. They serve no reasonable purpose but detrimental to the quiet and law abiding citizens of Dominica.
If this so call ‘Christian Missionary’ gets away with this serious crime, I will lose what little confidence I had left in the legal and judiciary sector. This is NOT good for Dominica. You might as well put up a big sign saying ‘Any type of criminal is welcome into Dominica’.
In Dominica it seems if someone kills someone they get away with it. If they rape someone they get away with it. If they moleste a minor they get away with it. If they burgle a home they get away with it. If they steal they get away with it. If they commit arson they get away with it. Where is the justice for the people in Dominica? How can they have confidence in a system that is not worth having?