DEPUTY commissioner of police (DCP) in charge of the crime and security portfolio Fitz Bailey has confirmed that Constable Noel Maitland, boyfriend of missing social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson, has been arrested and is in police custody.

In a video uploaded to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s social media pages, DCP Bailey said following a case review on Tuesday at the CIB headquarters between the hours of 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm, a decision was made to arrest Maitland.

“A number of stakeholders were involved in that case review, such as the offices of the director of public prosecutions, The Independent Commission of Investigation and police from different departments within the force. As a result of the case review it was agreed that there was adequate evidence to link Constable Noel Maitland to the disappearance of Miss Donaldson,” DCP Bailey said, adding that on Wednesday Maitland was arrested on Duke Street in Kingston by police officers assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Division, and placed in custody pending further investigation.

Further, DCP Bailey said there is no evidence to link District Constable Kathy Ann Smith to the disappearance of Donaldson.

He said further information will be made available in a subsequent release.

Maitland was assigned to the St Andrew North Police Division and, alongside District Constable Smith was removed from front line duties on Tuesday.

Donaldson was last seen on July 11 at an apartment at Chelsea Manor complex in New Kingston, St Andrew. The apartment is believed to be occupied by Maitland.

Donaldson’s disappearance has sparked outrage from the public and has been the cause of persistent protests in the streets.

In addition, several people on social media have severely criticised the police force for what they claim is the slow pace of its investigations into the mysterious disappearance of Donaldson.

In reacting to Maitland’s arrest, his attorney Christopher Townsend, who expressed concern that his client is being tried in the court of public opinion, told the Jamaica Observer that Maitland surrendered to the police. He said his client is expected to be put through a question-and-answer (Q&A) session before a determination can be made as to whether he should be charged.

“I can confirm that Mr Maitland surrendered himself into custody. There was a request for him to do so, as he is a suspect at this time, and so they have taken him in for questioning. It is [for the disappearance] because there is nothing else that his name is being called on. The situation is unfolding right before me as it is being unfolded before you. He is being held for questioning and we will attend a Q&A as soon as we have made provisions for it. I do not anticipate that it will be later today [Wednesday] because I am spent for the day. I anticipate that it will be as soon as possible, as is required by law,” Townsend told the Observer.