ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica— A female police constable has been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation of rape and robbery, allegedly committed by another member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Black River, St Elizabeth on Monday, January 30.

Forty-four-year-old Lavern Hendricks of Ginger Hill district, St Elizabeth is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.

Reports are that a woman was stopped during a vehicle checkpoint operation and a breach of the Road Traffic Act detected. Constable Alwayne Hill, who was previously charged, allegedly solicited money in exchange for not prosecuting the woman. She was taken to an automated teller machine and was reportedly sexually assaulted.

READ: Policeman hit with multiple charges for alleged rape of woman in St Elizabeth

The woman made a report to Constable Hendricks who was on duty. However, it is reported that Hendricks told the woman to lie in exchange for money. The woman constable also allegedly gave a false statement to colleagues, who had subsequently launched an investigation.

The report was elevated to a senior investigator and a case file was prepared and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who recommended that Hill and Hendricks be charged. Constable Hill was previously charged with rape, grievous sexual assault, forcible abduction, corruptly soliciting and simple larceny regarding this incident. Hendricks’ court date is being arranged.