‘Ruffian’ was on police radar since $23m Beryllium robbery

Veteran entertainer Sheron ‘Ruffian’ Peterkin, who is now a little over a week into her near 14-year prison sentence for firearm-related charges, has been revealed to have come on the police radar following a major Beryllium robbery in Portmore, St Catherine, in 2023.

Peterkin, 59, who came to prominence in the 1990s entertainment scene, exited the recording and performing stage of her career and later became an entrepreneur, with car rental becoming one of her business ventures.

On March 19, 2023, a major robbery at a Scotiabank branch in Portmore, involving a Beryllium courier truck, linked Peterkin after two motor vehicles were found abandoned in Lakes Pen.

Peterkin is reportedly the registered owner of the vehicles, a white Toyota Axio and a grey Subaru, which were tracked from the scene of the brazen $23-million robbery.

She told investigators she rented the vehicle to a customer.

Though Peterkin was not charged in relation to the robbery, she came under the microscope of the police.

Two months later, on May 20, 2023, she was arrested during a traffic stop and a quantity of marijuana found in her vehicle.

A search of her house in Portmore led investigators down a different path after an illegal gun along with two magazines were found at the premises.

Peterkin and her son were arrested, but the police said he was later released after it was revealed that he was only visiting the residence.

The Gleaner understands that, about 4:30 p.m. on May 20, the police executed a search warrant and found marijuana and 19 live rounds.

A further search resulted in the discovery of a pistol inside a drawer containing women’s garments.

Peterkin, who was previously a licensed firearm holder, reportedly told investigators that the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) had withdrawn her permit and she had to protect herself by any means necessary.

The serial number on the firearm was erased.

She was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and possession and dealing in ganja.

FOUND GUILTY

During the just-concluded trial, Peterkin was found guilty and sentenced to 13 years and nine months, after the court took into consideration the time already spent in custody.

According to Detective Sergeant Windell Reid, who is assigned to the Area Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT) and was the investigating officer in the matter, Peterkin is among the first women to be convicted under the new firearms legislation.

The new Firearms Act in Jamaica is the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, which took effect on November 1, 2022, replacing the old Firearms Act.

This new act significantly changes how firearms and ammunition are regulated, with the primary goal of addressing gun-related violence and crime.

It introduces a framework for prohibited weapons, strengthens penalties for offences related to them, and establishes a new regulatory body, the FLA.

Breaches of the new act, which includes unauthorised possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts, can result in sentences ranging from minimum 15 years to life imprisonment.

Peterkin, who pleaded not guilty, gave sworn evidence in her own defence during the trial in the Gun Court Division of the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston, which was presided over by Justice Calys Wiltshire.

The AFAT unit operates in partnership with other Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) formations to apprehend dangerous criminals across the country.

Formerly known as Lady Shabba, Ruffian emerged on the reggae/dancehall scene in the 1990s.

She has released songs including the Steelie & Clevie-produced Stick To Yuh Man as well as the 2009 social commentary Save the Juvenile.

She subsequently released a 16-track debut album entitled Save the Juvenile, which was a collaborative effort with reggae journeyman Max Romeo.

Ruffian is also known for songs such as Nuh Wuk Nuh Deh, and Careless Driving.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com