Deon Green, Gleaner Writer

A 63-year-old man is now in custody at the Morant Bay Police Station In St. Thomas on a sexual molestation charge of his seven-year-old stepdaughter.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that the stepfather, Leaford Jackson, was taken into custody on August 11 after the incident was reported. He has since been slapped with a charge of indecent assault of a minor. According to the police, the child was at home playing with friends when Jackson lured her from her peers and fondled her.

The Gleaner understands that bail is being considered for the stepfather due to his age and medical complications. Jackson is booked to appear in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate's Court next week.

Man on the run caught

In other crime-related incidents in St. Thomas last week, the police confirmed that 29-year-old security guard, Rydel Martin, of a Yallahs address, who has been on the run for four years, has been arrested and charged for illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent.

It is alleged that on October 16, 2002, Martin had a dispute with a man at a polling station in Logwood where he and two other men fired shots at the complainant. Martin was spotted at a dance in Yallahs last week where he was held and taken before the Yallahs RM Court. He has been offered bail in the sum of $40,000 and is scheduled to return to court on October 4.

Robbery charge

Over in Seaport, 26-year-old Claud Smallwood was arrested and charged for robbery with aggravation and wounding with intent, following a conflict in the Seaport housing scheme on July 24.

According to the Morant Bay police, Smallwood is alleged to have gone to the complainant's home, and to have stolen a licensed firearm, a mobile phone and $60,000 in cash. The accused was taken into custody and a court date is to be set.