MOCA director cleared of criminal charges

Deputy Superintendent of Police Jason Anderson, a director of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), has been cleared of criminal charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ruled that the case against him would have little success if it was taken before a tribunal.

DSP Anderson was arrested and charged and brought before the court by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

He was charged with assault at common law and discharging a firearm within 40 yards of a public place.

READ: MOCA director charged with assault, firearm offences

When the matter came up in court last month defence lawyer, Peter Champagnie, and the Clerk of the Courts of the St Catherine Resident Magistrate’s Court raised concerns about the case.

The matter was subsequently referred to the DPP for her office to review the matter.

The DPP had previously indicated that they both had expressed concern about the adequacy and cogency of the evidentiary material submitted by INDECOM.

Champagnie, who represented Anderson, said that "if ever there is a case that proves the urgent need for an oversight body in relation to INDECOM and the method by which it conducts its prosecutions, it is this case.”

The attorney said he felt the case against his client would not have succeeded and that it was an abuse of process.

Champagnie believes that the public defender should examine the circumstances of this case.