MONTEGO BAY, St James – The Montego Bay police yesterday arrested and charged 10 employees of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, following the uncovering of fraud at the health facility.

Investigations probing the incident said last night that more arrests are likely to be made within the next few days.

“Based on our investigations so far the amount of money defrauded is about $2.3 million but we expect that that figure could be significantly increased and more arrests made,” an investigator said.

Those arrested yesterday are:

. Marlene Dolphy, 35, a member of the kitchen staff, of Hart Street, Montego Bay;

. Ledford Allen, 45, maintenance worker of Maroon Town;

. Vincent Clarke, 34, porter of Rose Heights;

. Oniel Daley, 29, transport worker of Granville;

. Greg Franklyn, 27, a member of the kitchen staff, of Hart Street;

. Derrick Kurtain 44, maintenance worker, of Joan Avenue, Glendevon;

. Donna Roderick, 34, member of the kitchen staff, of Pitfour;

. Witbur Simpson, 26, maintenance worker of Jarrett Street;

. Dean Gillings, 35, transport worker of Johns Hall, all in St James; and

. Hopeton Grant, 27, a maintenance worker of Maxfield in Hanover.

They are booked to appear before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court next Wednesday.

Liaison officer for Constabulary Communication Network in St James, Constable Camille Tracy, said that between January and June the 10 employees conspired with a pay clerk and accepted overpayment on their salary cheques. An audit was done, Tracy said, which revealed that a total of $2.3 million was misappropriated. The police were subsequently called in and the 10 arrested.

Up to late last night the fate of the pay clerk allegedly involved in the racket was not known.

Public relations officer of the Western Health Authority Clinton Pickering said last night that he was not in a position to comment on the matter.