Shab Don’s bribery case rescheduled for April 18
THE alleged bribery matter involving embattled dancehall producer Linval “Shab Don” Thompson Jr was adjourned until April 18, 2023 at Monday’s hearing in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in Half-Way-Tree.
“The warrant was further stayed until April 18 of next year and the status of his bail remains the same,” his attorney-at-law Donahue Martin told the Jamaica Observer.
“He is currently remanded in custody for another case, which we vehemently deny and we intend to make an application in short order, once the case files are ready,” he continued.
According to a police report, members of the Specialised Operations SWAT team searched a vehicle Thompson Jr and co-accused Romario “BMR” Scott were travelling in and found an illegal loaded firearm. It is alleged that Thompson Jr tried to bribe the police officer with a sum of $2 million. The incident occurred on South Street in Old Harbour in October 2021.
Both men were subsequently charged. Scott, however, pleaded guilty in April 2022 and is currently serving six years and one month for possession, and four years and one month for possession of ammunition in prison. The sentences are running concurrently.
Thompson Jr, who was charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition in relation to the said illegal weapon, was, however, freed of the gun charges.
Thompson Jr — who always dons a cap and mask — is principal of Shab Don Records and has been making a name for himself in musical circles.
His production credits include Vybz Kartel’s Any Weather, Squash’s Money Fever, Shub Out by Teejay, and Money We Love by Chronic Law, Squash, and Vybz Kartel.