Police disrupt Westmoreland gang, seven alleged members charged

The Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime division has announced that criminal charges have been filed against seven men who were detained in Kings Valley, Westmoreland on Wednesday during a joint police-military operation.

Investigators believe all seven are members of the Kings Valley gang, which has been wreaking havoc across the parish.

Those charged are:

Romaro McKenniso, 20, also called ‘Ratty’ or ‘Bud Pickney’, of Kings Valley district, who is charged with murder, illegal possession of firearm, being part of a criminal organisation and facilitating the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation​

Derval Williams, 29, also called ‘Lukie’ or ‘Flex’, of Kings Valley district, who is charged with conspiracy to murder, being part of a criminal organisation and facilitating the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation

Christon Grant, 25, also called ‘Bobby’ or ‘Echoy’, of Peggy Barry district, who is charged with conspiracy to murder, being part of a criminal organisation and facilitating the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation

Hopeton Sankey, 32, also called ‘Leadda’ or ‘Bigga’, of Kings Valley district, who is charged with being part of a criminal organisation

Ricky Hall, 51, also called ‘Bad Wata’ of Peggy Barry district, who is charged with being part of a criminal organisation, facilitating the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation and knowingly providing a benefit to a criminal organisation​

Carlington Godfrey, 31, also called ‘Tommy’, of Kings Valley district, who is charged with being part of a criminal organisation, facilitating the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation

Lindell Powell, 21, also called ‘Lazarus’, of Kings Valley district, who is charged with being part of a criminal organisation and participating in the commission of various offences by a criminal organisation.

The police say they were formally charged yesterday after being interviewed and each placed on an identification parade in the presence of their attorneys.

They are scheduled to appear before the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Thursday.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.