A 61-year-old religious leader is among three individuals charged in connection with the abduction of a 13-year-old student from Clarendon, according to detectives from the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD) of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC).
The child was reportedly taken on Monday, April 7, by the religious leader in preparation for an event described as similar to a “three days of darkness” occurrence.
The accused are:
-
Byron Hunter, 61, welder and religious leader
-
Donna-May Taylor, 35
-
Rushea Hunter, 38
All are residents of Ewarton, St Catherine.
Investigators say the teen was removed from her home without her mother’s knowledge or consent. A missing person report was filed, and NSAD detectives initiated an immediate investigation.
On Tuesday, April 15, the girl was found at a house in Ewarton. Two additional children were present at the location; neither was enrolled in school.
Charges:
-
Byron Hunter and Donna-May Taylor:
-
Abduction of a child under sixteen
-
Membership in a criminal organisation
-
Two counts of failure to secure education
-
Three counts of failure to report need for care and protection
-
-
Rushea Hunter:
-
Conspiracy to abduct a child under sixteen
-
Membership in a criminal organisation
-
Two counts of failure to secure education
-
Three counts of failure to report need for care and protection
-
All three are scheduled to appear in the Home Circuit Court on Monday, April 28.
Police are reminding parents and guardians to stay vigilant regarding their children’s safety and be cautious of groups—especially those posing as religious organisations—that may pose risks to minors.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
-
C-TOC: 876-967-1389
-
Crime Stop: 311
-
National Intelligence Bureau: 811
-
Police Emergency: 119
-
Or the nearest police station
