Five drivers employed to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) are now before the courts following their arrest in connection with alleged fraudulent handling of passenger fares.
Law enforcement officials reported that the men were taken into custody by members of the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division, a unit within the Specialized Investigation Branch. They have since been formally charged with embezzlement and breaches relating to the failure to issue tickets.
The accused have been identified as Paul Hall, 59, of Waterford in Portmore, St Catherine; Andrew Bird, 58, of Kingston 2; Jason Blackwood, 43, of Portmore, St Catherine; Elvis Simms, 62, also of Waterford, Portmore; and Marlon Barnett, 52, of Albion Heights, St Thomas.
Investigators allege that over a period spanning February 11 to March 17, 2026, the drivers collected bus fares during their assigned duties but did not provide the required electronic receipts to passengers. Authorities further claim that the funds collected were not turned over to the state-owned transport company at the end of their shifts.
Police say a report into the suspected irregularities triggered a probe, which ultimately resulted in the men being charged in relation to separate incidents.
The matter is part of a wider investigation targeting alleged dishonest practices within the public transportation system.
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