MONTEGO BAY, St James — Keron Watson, who allegedly used social media to lure an 18-year-old girl into sexual activities for money in 2017 by posing as a talent scout for models, wept in court on Tuesday after learning of his mother’s death.

The case was brought before High Court Judge Bertram Morrison in the St James Circuit Court.

Watson is charged with breaches of the Trafficking in Persons Act.

During the legal proceedings, defence lawyer Donovan Collins expressed his heartfelt condolences, apologised for being the bearer of bad news, and requested bail on compassionate grounds while his client wept uncontrollably.

Watson was previously released on bail; however, his bail was later revoked due to a violation of the terms and conditions.

The prosecuting attorney apprised the court of the trial, which was scheduled for January 10, 2023, and that Watson’s absence at 12:20 pm led to law enforcement officers being dispatched to his residence, where he was seen and taken back into custody.

Justice Morrison did not agree to the attorney’s request and denied the application, stating that he could not grant bail based on Watson’s antecedents.

A trial date was subsequently set for October 28 and Watson was remanded in custody.

Watson’s trial was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but due to time constraints caused by a previous trial, the prosecution was unable to proceed.

It is alleged that in January 2017, Watson conned the teen by posing as a talent scout and luring her to his residence with the promise of a modelling opportunity. Once there, he allegedly held her against her will and coerced her into engaging in sexual activities with multiple men for a fee, which he then kept for himself.

After he released the female, Watson reportedly threatened to blackmail her with videos he had made of her in the various sexual acts. The matter was reported to the police and he was arrested in April that year, following a raid at his home.

Watson was also charged with illegal possession of ammunition after a 9mm cartridge was seized during the same raid. He pleaded guilty to that charge and on May 15, 2019, he was ordered by the St James Parish Court to pay a fine of $30,000 or spend three months in prison.