Five more JUTC drivers nabbed in fare pocketing probe

A suspected fare-skimming racket at the JUTC has landed five drivers in police custody, accused of collecting passengers' money and keeping it for themselves.

The men were arrested by detectives from the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division and have been charged with embezzlement and failing to issue tickets.

They are Paul Hall, 59, of Waterford, Portmore; Andrew Bird, 58, of Kingston 2; Jason Blackwood, 43, of Portmore; Elvis Simms, 62, of Waterford, Portmore; and Marlon Barnett, 52, of Albion Heights, St Thomas.

According to investigators, between February 11 and March 17, the drivers allegedly collected fares from commuters but failed to issue electronic receipts to account for the transactions.

Police further allege that at the end of their shifts, the money collected was not handed over to the state-run bus company.

A report triggered a probe that led to the men being taken into custody and charged in connection with the separate incidents.

The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on alleged fraudulent activities within the JUTC.

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