After Kartel verdict ... Juror's arrest shocks family, residents

Residents and family members of the juror who was yesterday arrested following claims that he attempted to bribe other jurors in the case involving dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel are shocked and puzzled by the allegations.

In a bizarre sequence of events connected to the Kartel murder trial, the juror was taken into police custody and a heavy detachment of police swooped down on premises in St Andrew, believed to be his home on Thursday night.

THE news team gathered that while charges have not been laid against the juror, items were reportedly taken from his house that can aid in the investigation.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are carrying out the investigation.

Frighten

When THE news team visited the community, a resident said, "... mi frighten when mi see the police dem pop up ina di place ... den mi hear the people dem a talk."

The resident further said that; "I never even know say he was a juror. Mi use to see him a go about his regular business."

While explaining that he was surprised by the allegations, the resident said that he hopes things will work out for the juror.

THE news team attempted to speak with family members of the juror, however, they expressed uncertainty as to what was taking place.

Two family members told THE news team that they were still shocked by the allegations and reserved comments on the matter.

According to reports from the Constabulary Communication Unit (CCU), the juror allegedly approached a member of the jury panel in an attempt to sway a guilty verdict, but his alleged offer was rejected.

It is alleged that an offer of $500,000 was made to enter a not-guilty verdict.

THE news team gathered that the foreman then reported the matter to the court and he was later arrested.

The juror is expected to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn, has disclosed that the juror faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

Meanwhile, sentencing for the convicted men, Adjidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer and three of his co-accused, Kahira Jones, Shawn Campbell and André St John has been set for March 27. Shane Williams, the fifth accused, was found not guilty of the 2011 murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams.