Jean-Ann Panton, the former wealth advisor at Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL), was today remanded in custody when she appeared in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston to answer charges concerning the alleged multimillion-dollar fraud at the investment firm.

She is facing charges for various breaches of the Larceny Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the Forgery Act, and the Cyber Crimes Act. 

Justice Lorna Shelly Williams denied Panton bail, citing the gravity of the charges.

An interim date of April 19, 2023, was set for a bail application to be heard. Meanwhile, the matter will return to court on June 15, 2023, for plea and case management. 

Panton is a suspect in the joint investigation by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Fraud Squad into alleged fraudulent activities at SSL. 

She was charged on February 17, 2023, and had her first court appearance that same day.

Prior to charges being laid, Panton was interviewed by investigators from February 14-16 and, on January 20, 2023, searches were conducted at two premises in the Corporate Area connected to Panton.

FID said the search operations were done in the presence of Panton and her attorney and resulted in the seizure of documents and electronic devices, including telephones which, along with other evidence, continue to be thoroughly analysed.

The former wealth advisor, who has more than 20 years of experience, has reportedly confessed to taking money from clients’ accounts without their consent. At least 30 investors have been impacted.