MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Horizon Remand Centre inmate, Kenric White, who the Manchester police say is featured as a main player in what is believed to be an extortion racket impacting the business community, denied the allegations on Wednesday.

He told Manchester Parish Judge Desiree Alleyne that it would not have been possible to be involved because his every move is “recorded”.The prosecution said that social media was a major way in which White was getting recruits and issuing instructions and it is believed that he had assistance from “within” to carry out his activities.Alleyne expressed concern about the allegations that an inmate is actively involved in extortion while incarcerated.She said, however, that element of the case was in the hands of the Commissioner of Corrections and Commissioner of Police. Alleyne emphasised that at this stage White’s involvement is still just an allegation.He is reportedly not charged with extortion but is serving time for shooting and firearm related charges. White said in court that he has also been at the General Penitentiary and the Spanish Town Prison at different times during his sentence.Alleyne said she will proceed with the case against the five people charged with extortion and conspiracy to extort. The accused are Sheila Smith, 64; Beko March, 21; Keeno Powell; 21; Sandre Bogle, 20 and Careba Salmon, 24. Bogle has since been granted bail. The allegations against him are reportedly the weakest. Salmon has pleaded guilty and is to be sentenced tomorrow.The other three are currently in custody and will return to court to answer to the charges on May 3.The Manchester police claim there is evidence to suggest that Smith was in direct contact with White through phone calls and Salmon via social media.The alleged extortion racket in Manchester came to the attention of the police in March, after business operators reported that they were getting “extortion letters” demanding sums of money.The letters reportedly contained death threats for those who refused to comply.Alicia Sutherland