ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A St Catherine policeman is to face the court on December 11 to answer to corruption charges following accusations that he solicited money in exchange for not arresting a man who was reportedly found in possession of ganja.

According to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), Constable Ricardo Johnson, 30, and another policeman, both stationed in Linstead, allegedly searched a premises in the area in July and found ganja.

It is further alleged that the policemen solicited $50,000 in order for the occupant of the premises to avoid prosecution.

The occupant reportedly explained that he was not in possession of that amount of money and gave them $8,700 with the understanding that the rest would be paid at a later date, MOCA said.

Subsequently, the man reported the matter to MOCA and an operation was conducted, resulting in the apprehension of another constable who was not an accomplice in the matter. Upon an interview with this constable, it was revealed that Johnson had asked him to collect $40,000, MOCA reported.

This constable was released after a further investigation and a file was prepared and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who returned a ruling that Johnson should be charged.

As such, he was charged with breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act on Monday, October 8 and brought before the St Catherine Parish Court the following day, when he was offered bail in the sum of $200,000 with sureties.