Two charges dismissed against businessman in car sales fraud case

Two of the 11 fraud-related charges filed against businessman Akeem Adamson for failing to turn over a total of nearly $35 million to customers whose motor vehicles he sold have been dismissed. 

The charges, both for fraudulent conversion, were dismissed in the St James Parish Court on Thursday after Adamson and the two complainants completed court-ordered mediation and the businessman agreed to make restitution.

He remains in custody awaiting trial on similar charges related to two other complainants in St James who are owed a total of nearly $11 million and seven complainants in St Ann who are owed a total of approximately $20 million.

Donnovan Collins, the attorney representing Adamson, acknowledged in court that his client collected monies from the complainants, but said it was not done under false pretence and there was no intention to deceive.

Collins explained that Adamson, a licenced car dealer, has business partners in Japan who failed to honour their end of a business arrangement to ensure that motor vehicles reach Jamaica in a timely manner.

He said his client recognised the problems almost one year ago and took the necessary action to ensure that approximately $40 million was refunded to some customers.

But he said Adamson's arrest disrupted that process.

He returns to court in St Ann on January 16 and in St James on January 18. 

- Livern Barrett

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