Man defrauds senior cop of $1.2M

A businessman accused of collecting $1.2 million from a senior member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for a motor vehicle that was never delivered has been granted bail in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Jerome Crichton, who is charged with Non-Delivery of Service and Fraudulent Conversion, was offered $300,000 bail with surety when he appeared before Parish Court Judge Roneiph Lawrence on Thursday.

During the hearing, defence attorney Delpharine Golding-Jenkins argued that Crichton is a legitimate businessman who operates a motor vehicle dealership and has previously done business with the complainant.

"Your Honour, it is not the first time the complainant has done business with my client, and he can be found easily as they know where each other lives. We are prepared to make restitution," Golding-Jenkins told the court.

The attorney further argued that the dispute arose after the complainant was unable to provide additional funds for the vehicle, which was subsequently sold, leading to a breakdown in communication.

The court was told that the complainant has already been repaid $1 million, leaving an outstanding balance of $200,000.

Judge Lawrence granted bail on condition that Crichton reports to the Central Village Police Station every Friday. He is scheduled to return to court on October 13, 2026, for case management.

According to the allegations, in November 2025, the complainant, who is both a minister of religion and a JCF sergeant, paid $1.2 million as a deposit for the purchase of a Honda Esquire, which was expected to be delivered in February 2026.

However, prosecutors allege the delivery date passed without the vehicle being handed over or the money refunded.

A report was made to the Spanish Town Police, and following an investigation, Crichton was arrested and later charged after a question-and-answer session.

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