Adjudication withheld for McGraw

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Mark McGraw II, who was arrested in April on charges of drug possession and carrying a concealed firearm (that was later determined to be stolen) without a permit, has pleaded nolo contendere to the charge of carrying a concealed firearm and agreed to 18 months of drug probation and a fine of $521.

The arrest was made after McGraw was pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign. The officer wrote that he smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle, and 10.8 grams of marijuana were found in the car. A bag that McGraw was carrying across his chest contained a Glock 19 loaded with 14 rounds in the magazine and with a round chambered, “readily accessible” to McGraw. The gun was later found to be reported stolen in Tallahassee. McGraw has stated on Facebook that he graduated in April from Florida A&M, which is located in Tallahassee.

McGraw entered the plea of nolo contendere to the firearm charge, a third-degree felony, at a hearing on September 9, and no action was taken on the misdemeanor drug possession charge. Adjudication of guilt was withheld.

The Order for Drug Probation orders McGraw to complete a 90-day outpatient substance abuse treatment program “on first try successfully.” He must refrain from using alcohol or illegal drugs and must submit to random drug testing. He is also required to forfeit the firearm.

The petition to enter the plea of nolo contendere states that the maximum sentence for the firearm charge is 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000.