Businessman accused of $1.2 million car-buying fraud granted $300,000 bail

A businessman accused of defrauding a senior member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force of $1.2 million after he allegedly failed to supply a motor car was today granted $300,000 bail with surety in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Jerome Crichton is charged with non-delivery of service and fraudulent conversion.

In applying for bail, his attorney, Delpharine Golding-Jenkins, told the court that Crichton is a registered business operator who deals in motor vehicles.

“Your honour, it is not the first time the complainant does business with my client and he could be found easily, as they know where each other live. But we are prepared to make restitution,” Golding-Jenkins said.

She told the court that the matter was reported when the complainant failed to come up with an additional sum for the vehicle, which was sold, and there was a breakdown in communication.

The complainant was then given restitution of $1,000,000 and was owed the balance of $200,000.

In granting bail, Parish Court Judge Roneiph Lawrence ordered the accused to report to the Central Village police on Fridays.

The case will again be mentioned on October 13 for case management.

Allegations are that in November 2025, the complainant, who is a Minister of Religion and a police sergeant, paid a deposit of $1,200,000 for the purchase of a Honda Esquire to be delivered in February 2026.

The date for delivery passed, and the vehicle was not delivered, and the complainant's money was not returned.

A report was made to the Spanish Town police, and an investigation was launched, which resulted in Crichton's arrest.

He was charged following a question-and-answer session.

- Rasbert Turner

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