Man defrauds ‘Reggae Queen’ of $5 million
Reggae Queen Marcia Griffiths is currently locked in a legal battle with a man identified as Ray Morgan who is alleged to have defrauded her of almost $5 million in a real estate deal.
Morgan is set to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in Half-Way-Tree on September 8. He is charged with obtaining money by means of false pretence.
According to police reports, Morgan told Griffiths that he and his partners could lend her US$500,000 to purchase a property. However, she would have to pay US$30,000 plus $250,000 for fees and stamp duty.
The reggae singer realised something was amiss after paying US$30,000 and $250,000.
Orville Morgan, the accused’s attorney-at-law, told Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque on Tuesday that his client will be making restitution to Griffiths.
This isn’t the first time the accused man has had a run-in with the law. He had previously served 12 years in prison in four counts of fraud.
Griffith’s recording career began at Studio One in the rocksteady era in the 1960s. There, she recorded a number of dance hits, including Feel Like Jumping, Melody Life, and Really Together (with Bob Andy).
A highlight of her career came in the 1970s when she toured and recorded as a member of the I-Three, Bob Marley’s harmony group.
Her hit songs include Stepping Outa Babylon, Dreamland, and Electric Boogie.