KINGSTON, Jamaica – Chavez Allen, the 27-year -old businessman and social media figure, had his case dismissed Tuesday when he appeared in the Corporate Area Parish Court for trial.

Allen, who in 2020 operated an entity popularly known in social media circles as “Billionaires Academy”, was hauled before the court for breaches of the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Act.

It was alleged that Allen had set up on social media a raffle where a Mercedes Benz motorcar, along with other prizes, were being offered without any permission under the Act.

However, in court on Tuesday, his lead attorney, Peter Champagnie QC, pressed for the case against him to either start or be dismissed. It was pointed out by Champagnie that the prosecution, despite valiant efforts to secure the attendance and cooperation from its main witness of the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Commission, had failed.

Champagnie emphasised that the witness had, in the past, shown scant regard for the Court. He added that the witness was in attendance in court earlier in the morning session of the court, it was the clear understanding that the witness would have returned for the commencement of the trial.

However, the witness reportedly failed to return and when contacted could give no definitive time for his return on the basis that he was attending to work-related matters.

It was pointed out by Champagnie that his client, over the last two years, had endured severe economic hardship and had to travel from out of the parish for court.

Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks, after hearing submissions, dismissed the case against Allen for want of prosecution.

Allen had consistently maintained that he did not breach any rules under the Betting, Gaming & Lotteries Act. Allen was also represented by Attorney Richard Lynch.