KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) has secured the conviction of teacher Randean Raymond for the offence of indecent assault.

Raymond pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, July 8. He was sentenced to six months in prison at hard labour, with the option of paying a fine of J$100,000. He opted to pay the fine.

On Wednesday, May 17, a report was made to CISOCA that a female student was in a classroom with Raymond when he summoned her to sit beside him and laid his palm on her left thigh and rubbed it. He stopped when other students walked into the classroom.

Statements were recorded from the complainant and her mother. A member of the school community also gave a statement to the fact that the suspect admitted that he had committed the offence.

Members of the investigative team have been lauded by Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) Headquarters, Ealan Powell, for their comprehensive investigation of the matter and their duteous preparation of a strong case file.

He also had high commendations for the victim, her mother and other people who came forward and gave statements.

“It is not always an easy thing to do. I commend the young woman for her bravery, as also her mother and other caregivers who supported her in her quest for justice,” ACP Powell said.