Jamaican authorities have apprehended and charged five men on Friday in connection with allegations of abuse at the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.
The arrests were made following targeted operations and raids conducted in the Pedro Plains policing area.
The individuals facing charges are:
• Courtney Williams, aged 51, from Sandy Bank district
• Carson Cox, also from Sandy Bank district
• Edison Morris, aged 39, from Great Bay district
• Odane Maxwell, aged 30, from Holland Village district, all in St. Elizabeth.
• Additionally, 23-year-old Damion Herrera, a footballer from Gordon Pen in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, is also facing charges.
Charges laid against them include assault occasioning bodily harm, cruelty to a child, and assault at common law. The court dates for the accused are currently being finalised by the police.
Reports indicate that a team of seven police officers conducted the operations between midday and 3 pm, targeting individuals wanted in connection to reports of assault, child abuse, and other offenses.
The allegations were made by eight American boys residing at the American-operated boarding school.
Law enforcement successfully located, arrested, and detained the suspects without any incidents.
Earlier this year, eight boys aged 14 to 18 were removed from the boarding school by Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) following allegations of abuse.
While seven of the teenagers remain under the custody of Jamaican child welfare authorities, the 18-year-old was repatriated home in February.
