Rasbert Turner, Star Writer
Spanish Town

Police Sergeant Dennis Arthurs of the Spanish Town Police Station was remanded when he appeared in the Spanish Town RM Court on corruption charges.

During his appearance on Wednesday, investigating officer detective Dennis James from the Anti-Corruption Branch told the court that the sergeant was accused of collecting money totalling $150,000 from the complainant to release her boyfriend Courtney Vassell who was charged with breaches of the Firearms Act and shooting with intent.

shoot-out

Detective James told the court that Vassell was arrested in November 2006, for allegedly engaging members of a police party in a shoot-out. He said Arthurs, who was investigating the matter, collected $50,000 at the court in Kingston, in February, and another $50,000 at the Spanish Town Police Station in April 2007. Afterward he started to pressure the complainant for sex and more money.

She gave a statement and $50,000 in marked bills were given to her and Arthurs was caught collecting the money in Spanish Town, last Saturday. He was taken into custody on suspicion, but the director of public prosecutions ruled that he should be charged with three counts of breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.

Clerk of the Court Floyd McNab objected to granting Arthurs bail. Although admitting to the court that he knew the policeman personally, he stated that the evidence was overwhelming. The clerk also lamented the prevalence of corruption within the ranks of the police force.

Resident Magistrate Marcia Dunbar-Green agreed with the clerk and remanded the lawman until May 21.