Mavado’s lawyer awaiting word
Oswest Senior-Smith, attorney-at-law representing dancehall entertainer Mavado, is awaiting information from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) with regards to outstanding warrants for his client.
“The ODPP is to complete enquiries to secure information as to whether there is an outstanding warrant and if so, what is it in relation to,” Senior-Smith told the Jamaica Observer.
Last week, the ODPP was set to submit an application seeking approval from the court for Mavado, who resides in the US, to give testimony via video link in a high-profile, $30-million fraud case where the entertainer is the complainant.
However, approval can only be granted if Mavado, whose given name is David Brooks, has no outstanding warrants in Jamaica.
Checks by the Observer showed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force tweeted on June 6 that “the Constant Spring Police are asking dancehall artiste David Brooks o/c ‘Mavado’, of Norbrook, St. Andrew to report to the station by midday on Wednesday, June 6. The Police believe he can assist with an ongoing investigation. Call 924-1421 if you know his whereabouts.”
At the time, the police had wanted him for questioning in regards to a flare-up of violence in Cassava Piece, St Andrew.
Afterwards, there was a major flare-up in gang violence in the area.
The ODPP will return to court on September 29 to present their findings.
In the meantime, Jennifer Messado, who has been disbarred, is accused of defrauding the entertainer in a real estate deal. It is alleged that in April 2018, Mavado was introduced to a property at Grosvenor Terrace, Kingston 8 and started making arrangements to purchase the property through his attorney, Tamika Harris.
Messado reportedly professed to have been given permission to oversee the sale as the owner was incarcerated overseas. Mavado later reportedly paid Messado $30.7 million for the property and signed a sale agreement and a document giving him possession. However, it was later discovered that the property was not for sale and that the owner was not incarcerated.
The owner of the property further indicated that he did not know Messado and never gave her permission to sell his property. Mavado was reportedly reimbursed $7 million.
After several attempts to recover his money failed, the entertainer reported the matter to the police and Messado was arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence.
Mavado is known for songs including Whe Dem a Do, I’m So Special and Star Bwoy.