KINGSTON, Jamaica — A taxi operator has been charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl.

He is 35-year-old Andre Catnott, of Longwall, Stony Hill.

According to police reports, in November 2024 Catnott was working as a driver for a ride-share company when he met the teenager, who had taken his taxi. After learning she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her employment as a model for his massage company.

It is alleged that the two exchanged contact information and, after the girl accepted the offer, she was coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area. Catnott allegedly collected the money.

In February 2025, a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to police, prompting an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted an operation at Catnott’s home where he was taken into custody.

Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC said the arrest highlights the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) focus on protecting vulnerable people.

“The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,” Barrett said. “Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.”

The police said investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved.

Catnott was charged on Monday, September 22. He is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organised crimes are being urged to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.