MONTEGO BAY, St James — A woman is now facing serious legal consequences after allegedly removing a cellphone from the body of her child’s father then attempting to mislead investigators by handing over a different device.

Tanya Simms appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with a murder investigation that has taken a strange and unexpected turn.

According to court documents, the incident unfolded on March 9 in the Copperwood district of Cambridge, St James, where the father of Simms’ child was murdered.

While his body was still at the scene, Simms allegedly reached into his pocket and removed a cellphone.

Police were later informed of her actions and requested that she hand over the device to assist in their investigation. The allegations are that, instead of returning the phone she had allegedly taken, Simms presented a different one — a move that immediately raised red flags.

She was subsequently arrested and charged.

After hearing the details, in an acknowledgment of the unusual nature of the allegation, presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday described the case as a “strange set of circumstances”.

Meanwhile, Simms’ attorney Charles Sinclair asked that her personal phone be returned, provided it is no longer needed by the prosecution.

The case has been set for a case management hearing on May 29, allowing the Crown time to review the file and determine how to proceed.

Simms’ bail was extended until that date.