Law enforcement officers from the St James Division took decisive action on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, by charging one of their own with serious breaches of the Offences Against The Person Act.
Thirty-one-year-old Shalon Campbell, a Constable assigned to the St James Police Division, now faces charges related to forcible abduction, rape, buggery, grievous sexual assault, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. These charges stem from a disturbing case of domestic abuse.
Following his arrest on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Constable Campbell was formally charged on Wednesday, December 13, after undergoing a question-and-answer session conducted by officers from CISOCA in the presence of his legal representation.
According to reports, Campbell was engaged in a sexual relationship with a young woman from St James, whom he allegedly accused of being unfaithful. Disturbing allegations claim that in October, he forcibly transported the complainant from St. James to another area, where he detained her against her will. During this time, he subjected her to repeated acts of sexual and physical assault, causing severe harm and distress.
Police Record 1,200 Reports on Sexual Assault in 2023
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Fitz Bailey, the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing Crime, addressed the nation and shared deeply alarming information. He revealed that an overwhelming number of sexual assault incidents, exceeding 1,200 cases, have been reported at various police stations across the island since the beginning of 2023.
During an event inaugurating a one-stop victim center at the Center for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse in May Pen, Clarendon, DCP Bailey delivered this distressing news. Stressing the significance of the new victim center in Clarendon, he emphasized the crucial role it must play in aiding the recovery of those who have experienced such traumatic ordeals.
DCP Bailey called upon the Jamaican people to take collective responsibility, asserting that we must enhance our efforts to educate our children on self-defense and safety measures in order to safeguard them from potential harm.
Gunman shot dead in reported shootout with cops in Gregory Park.
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, law enforcement officers fatally shot a suspect during a reported shootout in Gregory Park, St Catherine.
The authorities said the officers recovered one firearm after the incident, which took place close to Gregory Park Primary School.
According to reports, at about 8:15 am, the police conducted a snap operation in the community. The police encountered a group of men whose actions aroused their suspicion.
The officers accosted the men, and they reportedly ran in the direction of the Gregory Park primary school. The police pursued the hoodlums, and one man in the group opened fire at the cops. The law enforcers returned fire, hitting one man fatally, and the others escaped.
The incident triggered panic in the community as shots rang out.
The police are actively searching for the other hoodlums.
MoBay businessman joins two others facing extradition to the US
On the heels of the arrest of two suspects wanted by the authorities in the US for their involvement in lottery scamming, a third individual has now been apprehended.
Troy Williams, a 38-year-old businessman residing at Compass Place, Bogue Villa in St James, was taken into custody by the combined efforts of the Area One Operational Support Team, Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team, Lottery Scam Task Force, and the Jamaica Defence Force during an operation in Bogue Villa on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Williams, like the previously arrested individuals, is also facing a warrant of extradition in the United States. The charges against him include mail fraud, money laundering, wire fraud, and other lottery scam-related activities.
The two men arrested on Wednesday, Tajay Singh (26) from Paradise Heights and Jason Plummer (31) from Seaview Avenue, Coral Gardens, both in the parish, are currently being held in custody alongside Williams. They all await an extradition hearing.