Soldier on money charge gets new court date

A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier who reportedly failed to account for US$40,400 (approximately J$6.2 million) that was found in his possession on his arrival in the country on August 8 is to make his next appearance in the St James Parish Court on October 3.

Dwayne Forbes got the new court date on Wednesday. He has been charged with concealing criminal property, bringing criminal property into Jamaica, possession of criminal property, and transporting cash exceeding US$10,000.

Allegations are that on August 8, Forbes arrived at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on an incoming flight from New York, and was checked by security personnel at the airport. During the routine check, US$40,400 was found in his possession which he could not account for and which had not previously been declared.

It is further alleged that during subsequent questioning, Forbes indicated that he had made an arrangement to collect the money and bring it to an unidentified person in exchange for receiving a percentage of the funds. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

During Wednesday's court proceedings, Forbes' attorney, Michael Hemmings, told presiding judge Sasha-Marie Ashley that he needed time to review documents which he had received from the prosecution in relation to his client's case. Hemmings also indicated that he has documents to prove that Forbes had, in fact, made a proper declaration regarding the money.

Judge Ashley subsequently set October 3 as the new date when the case will be mentioned, and extended Forbes' bail to that date.