Popular TikToker ‘119’ Charged Under Cybercrimes Act for Alleged Malicious Communication

St Catherine, Jamaica – Popular social media personality Milton Wray, known to his online followers as “119,” was arrested on Tuesday and charged with malicious communication under the Cybercrimes Act. The charge stems from two social media posts allegedly directed at a woman from a St Catherine address.

Wray, a former journalist, was taken into custody by the Spanish Town Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB). He was later granted station bail in the amount of $400,000 and is scheduled to appear in the St Catherine Parish Court on May 12.

The controversial case has sparked public debate over freedom of speech and the interpretation of Jamaica’s recently amended Cybercrimes Act. Wray, speaking to reporters following his release, questioned the basis for his arrest.

“I begged them to tell me what words in my post amounted to ‘malicious communication’. The officer replied, ‘that’s why there is a judicial system – that will be revealed in court,’” he said.

The TikToker has vowed to challenge the charge in the constitutional court, calling it “a new low” and an attempt by authorities to suppress the voices of everyday Jamaicans. “I am seeking a stay on the matter pending a challenge. This law, in my view, is patently unconstitutional and infringes dangerously on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms,” Wray stated.

According to investigators, the charge relates to posts allegedly made by Wray about a young woman, who subsequently filed a complaint with the Spanish Town CIB. However, Wray insists the content was neither threatening nor obscene, and that it was not intended to harass.

“This whole thing is ridiculous,” he said. “I didn’t threaten anyone, and the post wasn’t obscene. The state is just trying to suppress my constitutional rights to freedom of speech.”

Section 9 of the Cybercrimes Act outlines penalties for using digital platforms to send threatening, harassing, or defamatory content. Offenders can face fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years.

Wray maintains his innocence and views the charge as a calculated attempt to silence his social media advocacy. “It is frightening that a law in Jamaica allows police to arrest a citizen simply for relating their experience,” he said.

In recent years, malicious communication charges have become increasingly common, often linked to the online posting of explicit content without consent. However, Wray contends that the law is being misapplied in his case and is confident that the court will vindicate him.

The matter has renewed calls for public education around digital rights, free expression, and the legal boundaries of online communication in Jamaica.