St Catherine man charged for allegedly taking $2 million in job scam

A 56-year-old St Catherine man has been charged after allegedly collecting approximately $2.2 million from victims in a job scam.

Phillip Panton is charged with obtaining money by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud.

Reports from the Spanish Town Criminal Investigations Branch state that Panton told a male relative he could secure him a spot on an overseas work programme.

Between May and July 2024, the relative and other persons reportedly paid $2,190,000 to Panton.

However, Panton allegedly failed to provide the job and did not return the money collected.

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The matter was later reported to the police. 

Panton was arrested and charged after a question-and-answer session with his attorney present.