KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica Labour Party Shadow Minister on Mining and Energy, Senator Robert Montague, issued a statement on Tuesday denying rape allegations against him.See timeline, as released by Montague below:August 31, 2015September 1, 2015

According to Montague, the allegations, which originated on Facebook, are aimed at extorting him and have been reported to the police. 

August 28, 2015

I received a private communication, on my Facebook account that contained certain allegations, threats and an attempt to extort money from me. The police was contacted and advised that no reply was to be given.

I met with the Police and formally reported the matter. Shortly thereafter another private message was received stating that the allegations have been passed to the media, but no name had been called yet.

A blog with some of the said allegations and further innuendos was published and brought to the attention of the police. Contact with the legitimate owner of the account, from where the messages were supposedly, being sent was made. The legitimate owner denies sending the messages.

Montague said based on the advice of the police, he remained silent, so that they could advance their work but he is now compelled to make this matter public.

“Although much progress is being made with the investigation, it is not yet over,” Montague said.

Noting that the matter was now being politicised for election purposes, Montague appealed for the police to be given space to do their jobs without the “political overtones”.

Montague said the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime and the Major Organized Crime Agency have been appraised of his statement and his intention to make the matter public.