By LEDEDRA FERGUSON

Senior Freeport News Reporter

lededra@nasguard.com

After admitting guilt, an Abaco resident and his American guest were fined a hefty sum Friday and ordered out of the country at the end of their firearm and explosives trial.

For several weeks, home owner James Caldwell eluded police after a team of officers executed a search warrant on his home in Guana Cay, Abaco, on July 31.

The police search turned up a .9mm pistol with 40 rounds of ammunition, .357 rounds of ammunition; three bags of what is believed to be marijuana; one large rock, suspected to be cocaine; two sticks of live dynamite and one prohibited .45 rifle.

American houseguests, James Dodd, 39, and Krystal Lee Bright, 35, of Apollo Beach, Florida, were arrested and arraigned. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded at Her Majesty's Prison, Fox Hill in the capital until August 27.

Caldwell was taken into custody Thursday.

When the couple reappeared before Magistrate Crawford McGee Friday afternoon, along with Caldwell, Dodd changed his plea and was found guilty of possession of dangerous drugs and fined $10,000 cash.

No custodial sentence was imposed.

Caldwell, was represented by attorney J. Henry Bostwick and pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and was fined $10,000 cash.

Both Dodd and Caldwell paid their fine immediately and were ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.

Bright was acquitted and also deported.

The possession of explosives charge was set aside.