The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) has arrested and charged a taxi operator in connection with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl.
The accused has been identified as Andre Catnott, a resident of Longwall, Stony Hill, St. Andrew. According to a statement released by the JCF, Catnott met the minor in 2024 while he was working as a taxi driver for a ride-share service company.
He learnt that she was a runaway who had left home and offered her employment at his massage company as a model. The teen and Catnott allegedly exchanged contact information, and she later accepted his offer.
The JCF said that the minor was subsequently coerced into performing sexual acts with multiple clients in the Corporate Area for money. Catnott allegedly collected the money that the teen made.
The JCF further shared that a family member located the teen earlier this year, in February. The matter was reported to the police, and an investigation was launched, which resulted in Catnott’s arrest on September 17 after an operation was conducted at his home.
The taxi operator was then formally charged on Monday with child trafficking. The JCF disclosed that their investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing to apprehend the other individuals involved.
His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, September 26, at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court. Commenting on Catnott’s arrest, the acting Senior Superintendent of Police, Victor Barrett, said that the force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in the country.
Members of the public are being urged to share information regarding persons involved in human trafficking and other organised crimes by calling C-TOC at 876-967-1389, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.
