KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, the defence attorney for former CEO of Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL) Zachary Harding, is maintaining her client’s innocence in the alleged defrauding of more than 200 client accounts including that of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt.

According to Samuels-Brown in a media statement Tuesday, based on the questioning and information provided by investigators, there was no allegation that her client was the beneficiary of or involved in any way with any misappropriation of funds or theft of money from Bolt’s account or that of any other SSL clients’ accounts.

Harding is among three former directors of the shuttered SSL who have been charged with offences including fraudulently inducing persons to invest money, a breach of section 28 of the Larceny Act; failure to register company carrying on business in Jamaica (Companies Act, section 363); carrying on securities business without dealer’s licence (Securities Act, section 7); failure to apply to the commission to be registered for securities issued (Securities Act, section 26); and breach of section 22A of the Banking Services Act.

The other two are SSL founder Hugh Croskery and his daughter, Sarah Meany.

READ: Three former SSL directors slapped with multiple charges

In her statement, Samuels-Brown said official records from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) will confirm that during his tenure, “Harding prioritised legal and regulatory compliance.”

Samuels-Brown said her client maintained open communication with regulators, adhered to their directives and acted under the guidance of reputable legal counsel and independent external auditors. She said he also proactively engaged the FSC, implemented clear corrective plans and worked under their ongoing oversight to address long-standing issues that existed before his involvement with SSL.

“As these matters are now before the court, we will not comment further on any specific evidentiary details and await the dispensation of justice through the courts. In the interim, we strongly caution against the continuation of spreading misinformation,” the attorney said, adding “This in no way helps in achieving fair resolution and justice. We urge all parties to allow the justice system to function based on facts, rather than unverified assertions and assumptions.”

She also noted that her client was not arrested in any pre-dawn raid as has been reported by some media outlets.

See full statement:

“On the afternoon of December 27, 2025, Mr Zachary Harding voluntarily attended the offices of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), accompanied by his attorney-at-law, Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, KC.

Since the issues at Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL) first came to light in 2023, Mr Harding communicated with the police through his attorney, assuring them of his availability and willingness to assist with any investigations. His attendance at the FID was in keeping with that position, as he has always acted in compliance with the law and with the highest level of integrity.

Despite certain media reports, Mr Harding was not arrested in any “pre-dawn raid”. The proceedings and question and answer session mark the first time in three years that Mr Harding has been interviewed by any investigative body.

In light of recent developments, we wish to clarify the following critical points: Based on the questioning and information provided by investigators, there was no allegation that Mr Harding was the beneficiary of, or involved in any way with any misappropriation of funds or theft of money from Usain Bolt’s account or that of any other SSL clients’ accounts. Official records from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) will confirm that during his tenure, Mr Harding prioritised legal and regulatory compliance.

He maintained open communication with regulators, adhered to their directives and acted under the guidance of reputable legal counsel and independent external auditors. He proactively engaged the FSC, implemented clear corrective plans and worked under their ongoing oversight to address long-standing issues that existed before Mr Harding’s involvement with SSL.

As these matters are now before the court, we will not comment further on any specific evidentiary details and await the dispensation of justice through the courts. In the interim, we strongly caution against the continuation of spreading misinformation. This in no way helps in achieving fair resolution and justice. We urge all parties to allow the justice system to function based on facts, rather than unverified assertions and assumptions.”