Taxi Operator Charged With Trafficking 16-Year-Old Girl

Kingston, Jamaica – A 35-year-old taxi operator has been charged with trafficking a 16-year-old girl, police have confirmed.

The accused, Andre Catnott, of Longwall, Stony Hill, reportedly met the teenager in November 2024 while she was taking a ride in his taxi. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), after learning that the girl had run away from home, Catnott allegedly offered her employment as a model for his massage company.

Police allege that the teenager was coerced into performing sexual acts for money with clients in the Corporate Area, with Catnott collecting the proceeds.

In February 2025, a family member located the girl and reported the matter to the authorities, prompting an investigation. On September 17, 2025, officers from the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted an operation at Catnott’s residence, resulting in his arrest.

Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC emphasized that the arrest underscores the JCF’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons. “The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,” Barrett said. “Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.”

Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, 2025, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved. Members of the public with information about human trafficking or organised crime are urged to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.