Three cops on fraud charge

Three members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were among five persons who appeared before the Kingston Parish Court for allegedly defrauding the Government of $4.6 million.

They are Sergeant Charles Hemas, who is alleged to have pocketed $1.7 million; Damion Martin, who is accused of pocketing $600,000; and Leroy Asphall, who is alleged to have pocketed $500,000.

The other accused persons are Gwendolyn Ward and Thelmalyn Walker, who are both employed to the Ministry of National Security.

TO BE ARRESTED

Prosecutors also indicated that another police sergeant has been implicated, but he is yet to be arrested.

According to prosecutors, an audit revealed that between January and July last year the three JCF members were paid travelling and subsistence that they were not eligible to receive.

"They were not eligible to receive it because the relevant claim forms were not completed," prosecutors charged.

It was alleged that Ward and Walker facilitated the payments by forging the signatures of other employees.

The five did not enter a plea during their court appearance.

They have been released on bail and are scheduled to return to court on April 27.