Cops nabbed for soliciting money from shop owner
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – Two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were today charged for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.
They are constable Carrington Carter and corporal Harold Thomas, both of whom are members of the Greater Portmore Operation Support team.
Reports are that on June 24, Carter and Thomas were patrolling in the Central Village area of St Catherine when a shop was reportedly searched and a quantity of alcoholic beverages found.
Information from the Major Organised Crime and Anti Corruption Agency (MOCA) are that enquiries were made and it was revealed that the premises did not have a Spirit License.
It is alleged that Thomas and Carter proceeded to solicit a sum of J$20,000 from the shop owner. They reportedly accompanied the shop owner to an ATM where J$6,000 was handed over to them in order to avoid prosecution.
Subsequently, a report was made to the Superintendent in charge of the St Catherine South Division and a further report made to MOCA. The anti-corruption agency said following an “intense investigation”, a file was prepared and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who ruled that the policemen be charged.
They are scheduled to appear in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.