MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man and woman who allegedly posed as representatives of the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday to answer to charges linked to fraud and impersonation.

St James residents Kevin Graham and Peta-Gay Barnes-Jamieson have been charged with breaches of the Trademark Act and uttering a forged document. They are being represented by attorney-at-law Charles Sinclair.

According to court documents, around midday on March 27, police received reports that a man was moving through communities pretending to be a JPS contractor. He was reportedly collecting money from residents while driving a car marked “JPS Emergency” — a vehicle owned by Barnes-Jamieson.

Following investigations, Graham turned up at the police station to make enquiries. At that same time a representative of JPS also visited the station and indicated that neither Graham nor Barnes-Jamieson had any connection to the company, nor were they authorised to operate under its name.

The vehicle was seized and a search revealed two JPS-branded helmets and a fake JPS contractor ID card, raising further suspicion.

JPS officials later verified that the duo had never received permission to use the company’s branding or conduct any business on its behalf.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the court was told that a statement from a civilian witness was still outstanding and that investigations were ongoing.

The court also heard that photographs of the seized vehicle had been taken to document its markings.

In defence of his clients, Sinclair argued that the statements provided thus far do not amount to a prima facie case,  suggesting the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to proceed. He also requested that the vehicle be returned, provided it is no longer required by the Crown.

The investigating officer stated that the car could be released, but the unauthorised markings would need to be removed before that is done. Sinclair noted that he had no issue with the police removing the branding and suggested that the photographs be submitted in place of the vehicle itself.

Presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton stated that the Crown must ensure the photographs clearly depict the motor vehicle, including any visible logos or images, in order to support the officer’s claim that the defendants breached the Trademarks Act and uttered a forged document.

The matter was adjourned for a case management hearing on June 18, and bail extended for both defendants.