‘I was depressed for two years’

Twenty-one-year-old Jayanne Booth, a University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) student, says the past two years of her life were a nightmare, marked by fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress after she was arrested, detained for 24 hours, and charged with serious crimes she insists she did not commit.

“When they came for me, I was, like, ‘What is really happening?’ I was depressed for two years. I cried so much. I was completely depressed,” she told The Gleaner.

On Wednesday, Booth was acquitted in the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court of nine charges, including extortion and use of a computer for malicious communications.

Dave McLeish, a cop and minister of religion, was also freed of similar charges by the court.

The two were charged with two counts of unlawfully making data available for the commission of an offence, two counts of conspiracy to extort, two counts of extortion, use of computer for malicious communications, and two counts of engaging in a transaction involving criminal property.

The charges arose from allegations that someone contacted popular music producer Jason McDowell, known as DJ Mack, demanding US$8,000 and threatening to release a sex video involving him and his girlfriend, Shelby Bradshaw, if the money was not paid.

It was alleged that DJ Mack made two payments totalling J$75,000 to an account provided by the scammer. After further demands were made and refused, the video was reportedly released online.

Following the release, the matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest and charging of Booth and McLeish.

Couldn’t move forward

Booth, who was arrested in 2023, told The Gleaner on Thursday that her life was imm ediately thrown into turmoil.

“I was drawn through a lot for two years. It has affected job opportunities. It has affected a lot of things for me. I just felt like I couldn’t move forward with this hanging over my head,” she said, adding that her family and friends also endured immense stress.

“I am from a very good home. I am not in want of anything. My parents and grandparents have been very supportive of me,” she said.

Although relieved by the outcome, Booth said she is still processing the ordeal, which she described as a major setback. She recalled being surrounded by about four unmarked vehicles on the day of her arrest, with armed police declaring that she was under arrest. Her phone was seized, her bag searched, and she was taken to a police station, where she was held for 24 hours.

Booth said she remains determined to pursue her education and ambitions.

“I am continuing school, majoring in architecture. I had big dreams, my parents had big dreams for me. I am still going to continue with all of those things,” she said.

Senior Parish Court Judge Maxine Ellis dismissed the charges against both defendants.

During the trial, which began on January 13, 2025, five witnesses testified, including representatives from National Commercial Bank. Evidence showed that the account number provided to DJ Mack differed from McLeish’s account though the funds eventually reached his account and were later transferred to Booth’s Lynk account.

The judge ruled that there was no evidence that either defendant had extorted DJ Mack or published the video.

McLeish was represented by attorney Philmore Scott, and Booth was represented by Kemar Robinson.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com