KINGSTON, Jamaica — A religious leader is among three persons charged in connection with the abduction of a 13-year-old Clarendon student, according to detectives from the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD) of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC).

The accused have been identified as 60-year-old Byron Hunter, a welder and religious leader; 35-year-old Donna-May Taylor; and 38-year-old Rushea Hunter. All three are from an address in Ewarton, St Catherine.

Investigations revealed that the teen was taken from her home on Monday, April 7, without the knowledge or consent of her mother. A missing person report was filed, prompting an immediate investigation by NSAD detectives.

On Tuesday, April 15, the teen was found at a house in Ewarton. Two other children were also discovered at the location, and police later determined that the children were not registered for school.

READ: Missing Clarendon teen found alive, police investigating possible religious cult

Reports indicate that the religious leader took the teen in preparation for a special upcoming event described as akin to “three days of darkness”. One of the accused, said to be the teen’s aunt and the alleged mastermind behind the abduction, was taken into custody along with the others. All children were removed from the home.

Byron Hunter and Donna-May Taylor have been charged with abduction of a child under sixteen, being a member of a criminal organisation, two counts of duty to secure education, and three counts of duty to report need for care and protection.

Rushea Hunter has been charged with conspiracy to abduct a child under sixteen, being a member of a criminal organisation, two counts of duty to secure education, and three counts of duty to report need for care and protection.

All three are scheduled to appear in the Home Circuit Court on Monday, April 28.

The police are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety and welfare of their children and to be cautious of organisations, including those posing as religious groups, which may support harmful beliefs or practices.

Anyone with information related to this case or suspicious activities is asked to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station.