Three people have been jointly charged with Demanding Money by Menace from a D’Abadie man.

According to the TTPS, JOEL PATRICK, 24 and LORENZO JULIEN, 24 both of Diego Martin and KAVIANN ALEXIS, 26, of D’Abadie, appeared before the Arima First Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday 8th August, 2023.

Patrick was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 with surety, Julien pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to four years hard labour, while Alexis was denied bail and remanded into custody. The matter was adjourned to September 5th, 2023.

A male victim reported to police that on July 12th, 2023, he allegedly received calls from a blocked number demanding that he pay the sum of $30,000 by the next day, or some harm will come to him or his family. The following day, he allegedly received more calls demanding that he pay the sum in five days’ time.

A report of the matter was made to the Arima Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and a team spearheaded by ACP Subero, Snr. Supt. Francis, Supt. Revenales and ASP Pitt, conducted extensive investigations which resulted in the apprehension of three suspects. The trio was charged by WPC Johnson attached to the Arima CID.

Members of the public who are victims of extortion are asked to come forward and make a report of the incidents to the nearest police station for them to be thoroughly investigated. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is warning individuals against engaging in this type of activity, as they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.