Tommy Lee in police custody again

Dancehall star Tommy Lee Sparta could be facing the courts again, after he was taken into police custody last night.

Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Corporate Communications Unit, confirmed to THE STAR last night that the artiste had been detained.

"I don't know the details at this moment, but I can confirm that he was held and is in police custody," Lindsay said in response to questions pertaining to reports that the deejay was being held on suspicion of illegal possession of a firearm.

Sources have told THE STAR that the deejay was held with a firearm, allegedly a Glock, along Holborn Road in New Kingston. Sources also say Tommy Lee Sparta was held by members of the S.W.A.T division.

Something questionable

When contacted for comment last night, the deejay's attorney, Ernie Smith, said he had not yet heard from his client.

"I haven't received any calls from him as yet but the media has been calling me about Mr Russell being held with something questionable. He is probably not able to use a phone as yet. But if he wants to be free, I am sure he will call me," Smith told THE STAR.

Earlier this year, the St James police named the deejay as a person of interest in an investigation they were carrying out in Montego Bay. The artiste, given name Leroy Russell, was detained on July 7, under the State of Public Emergency, and faced several question-and-answer sessions.

He was released without charge on August 17, at which time Smith vowed to file a $100-million lawsuit against the state for damages. Tommy Lee Sparta was cleared of lottery scamming charges in 2018. The deejay was jointly charged with O'Brian Smith for possession of identity information and unlawful use of premises.