MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Two of the accused in the Manchester extortion racket were denied bail when their attorneys made a request on their behalf in the Manchester Parish Court this morning.

The two — 24-year-old Careba Salmon and Sandre Bogle, 20 — are among five people answering to extortion and conspiracy to extort charges.

The others are Sheila Smith 62, Keeno Powell, 21, and Beko March who is also 21-years-old. However, no bail request was made for them. Only Salmon and Bogle had legal representation.

They were all remanded and are scheduled to return to court on Thursday, March 30.

Joel Nelson, the defence attorney for Salmon said that she is a mother, has no previous conviction, is not a flight risk and that she will not interfere with the process of justice if she is released. He described her as a “prime and suitable candidate for bail”.

Meanwhile, attorney Howard Lettman, who represented Bogle, said that he was not participating in any act of extortion but was merely in the company of one of the co-accused when he was taken into custody.

He contends that to see someone with sealed envelopes does not readily arouse suspicion.“If he is not ‘bailable’ I am at a loss,” said Lettman.

He implied that the co-accused that Bogle said he was accompanying is also claiming innocence in the extortion charges.

The crown said that the investigation is ongoing and any bail given could affect its progress.

Parish Judge Desiree Alleyne said that the bail application is under review.

The five accused, according to police, are linked to extortion letters issued to members of the Manchester business community earlier this month.

A vehicle was reportedly found with other copies of the threatening letters not yet delivered.

The police believe that the extortion affecting business operators in Manchester stems from a wider problem with connections outside the parish.

Extortion can be defined as the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

Alicia Sutherland