Be Alert: St. Elizabeth Police Warn About USD Scam
Residents of St. Elizabeth are being cautioned to stay on high alert for dubious individuals involved in buying and selling US dollars. This warning comes in the wake of an alarming incident in which victims were left holding a bag filled with US$1 notes instead of the significant sum they expected.
A local businessman from New Harbour Village in Old Harbour, St Catherine, identified as 36-year-old Dwight Johnson, also known as ‘Links’ or ‘Foodie’, has been taken into police custody regarding the deceitful act. Johnson faces charges of larceny by trick for his alleged involvement in the fraudulent scheme.
The reported sequence of events points to February 22, when the complainants reportedly accompanied Johnson and another individual to a bank with the intention of purchasing US currency equivalent to J$1,960,000. It is alleged that during the transaction, one of the individuals deviously swapped the intended bag of currency with another containing only US$1 notes, absconding with a substantial amount.
Despite Johnson’s arrest, authorities are still in pursuit of another suspect connected to the scam.
Acting Superintendent of Police Coleridge Minto has stressed the necessity of remaining vigilant, emphasizing that individuals should conduct currency transactions through legitimate channels to avoid falling victim to such scams.
“This incident marks the third reported occurrence since the beginning of the year, highlighting the re-emergence of this fraudulent scheme,” stated Minto.
St Elizabeth Farmer Charged for Allegedly Fatally Striking Man with a Hoe.
Charged with Murder After Farm Dispute
The St Elizabeth police have filed charges against a 37-year-old farmer named Jermaine Reid, also known as ‘Afro’, from the Comma Pen district, for the murder of another farmer. The incident unfolded on March 16 when Reid allegedly used a hoe to strike 62-year-old farmer Travie Powell during a dispute.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Powell tragically succumbed to his injury two days later. Reid turned himself into the authorities in the presence of his attorney and was formally charged after a questioning session.
Former Policeman’s Charred Remains Discovered in St. Catherine.
The charred remains of a former police officer were discovered by residents in a section of the Mountain Pass District, St Catherine, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
The authorities have identified the deceased as 72-year-old Albert Campbell of the Mountain Pass district.
Campbell’s burnt body was found near an abandoned quarry around 3:30 p.m.
The body was reportedly discovered following a bushfire in the area.
It was subsequently removed for a postmortem examination.
St. Andrew resident faces charges for allegedly fatally stabbing man during a fight.
The 32-year-old Michael Thompson, also known as ‘Mafia’ and ‘Kartel’, has been arrested and charged by detectives for the fatal stabbing of Carlton Smith, 54, at the intersection of Molynes and Waltham Park roads in St Andrew.
Thompson, a resident of Molynes Road, stands accused of the murder which occurred on March 21. According to the Half-Way Tree police, a dispute between Smith and another individual turned physical around 7:00 a.m. It was during this altercation that a knife was reportedly used to inflict a fatal wound on Smith’s left side of the chest.
Following the incident, Smith collapsed on the roadside and was swiftly taken to the hospital by the police who had been called to the scene. Despite efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
After a thorough investigation, Thompson was apprehended on the same day as the incident.