DPP calls for caution in SSL fraud discussions amid pre-trial publicity concerns

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn is raising concerns about the heightened publicity surrounding the multibillion-dollar fraud at investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) and the impending trial of Jean-Ann Panton, arguing that it may undermine the pursuit of justice in the matter.

“…The pre-trial publicity, as well as excessive public discourse, can potentially undermine the fairness of the trial and has done so in previously decided cases,” Llewellyn said in a statement this afternoon.

Panton, the former SSL client relationship manager, is facing a 22-count indictment charging her with forgery, larceny as a servant, and engaging in a transaction involving criminal property.

She is set to return to court in March.

Public discussion on the alleged SSL fraud has intensified, particularly following a recent interview with sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Bolt expressed his belief that the Government is not doing enough to recover the money and hinted that he may now have to apply "pressure."

In March last year—almost 14 months after the alleged $4-billion fraud was first uncovered at SSL—Jamaican authorities “validated” a claim that a company owned by Bolt was allegedly defrauded of US$6.2 million (approximately J$950 million). Authorities disclosed that Bolt was among 200 SSL clients impacted by the alleged fraud.

“It’s been two years, and me can’t come to you and say it reach here or we a look up or down. It no reach nowhere; it almost at a stalemate. Something has to happen, some fixing has to go on,” said Bolt.

The DPP stated that while her office respects the constitutional right of every citizen to freely express themselves, whether privately or publicly, it is important to remember that an accused person—who is innocent until proven guilty—has the right to fair treatment and due process.

She warned that pre-trial publicity could negatively impact the fairness of the impending trial proceedings against Panton, a concern shared by Panton’s lawyers, which has been discussed among the parties.

Llewellyn emphasised that the SSL matter is highly complex, involving voluminous material, and that investigations into other aspects of the case are still ongoing.

She urged the public to be mindful that the case remains before the court and to exercise caution when making public remarks.

“In light of the fact that the case against Ms. Panton has not yet been completed and remains under active consideration by the court, I, along with my assigned senior prosecutors, humbly request that members of the public be judicious in their public discourse. Otherwise, it may compromise the prosecution of the matter as well as ongoing investigations into other aspects of the SSL case,” Llewellyn stated.

“I must also indicate that previous experience has shown that the court will not hesitate to issue certain orders—either at the request of the prosecution, the defence, or on its own motion—to safeguard the integrity and fairness of the process if it perceives excessive pre-trial publicity. The public’s consideration of these concerns would be greatly appreciated,” she added.

The DPP reiterated that the prosecution is ready to proceed to trial.

According to a signed statement made to SSL dated January 7, 2023, Panton admitted that she “used various mechanisms to take money from clients” and that she “created false statements to provide to the clients reflecting what they should have in their accounts and not the sum they actually had in their accounts.”

She added that she took the money “over the course of several years.”

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