Jamaican dancehall music producer Linval “Shab Don” Thompson Jr. was found not guilty on Monday of violating the Corruption Prevention Act, bringing a close to a trial that began on February 19, 2026.
Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith issued the acquittal after identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. The trial featured testimony from four witnesses, two of whom had their credibility called into question during proceedings.
Prosecutors had alleged that in October 2021, Thompson offered a police officer $2 million to remove an illegal firearm from his Mercedes-Benz prior to a vehicle search. Thompson was represented throughout the case by attorney Donahue Martin.
Following the ruling, Martin confirmed the outcome on behalf of his client.
“I can confirm that my client, Mr. Linval Thompson, was found not guilty for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. In relation to this matter, he is a free man,” Martin stated.
The charges stemmed from an incident in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, where members of the police Specialised Operations SWAT team reportedly discovered a loaded, unlicensed firearm in a vehicle Thompson was travelling in. He was subsequently charged under the Corruption Prevention Act but was cleared of both the weapons and bribery-related charges.
Thompson, however, continues to face separate legal proceedings. He is set to stand trial in the St. James Circuit Court in connection with a triple homicide. Thompson and co-accused Tajay Clark remain in custody in relation to the fatal shooting of three individuals at a birthday celebration on Marl Road in Rose Heights, St. James, on May 25, 2022.
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