[Original release date June 4, 2026]: On Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. Kevan Anthony Panton, an Accounting Officer/Customer Service Officer employed to the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), was arrested and charged in relation to alleged financial irregularities involving student funds.
Following thorough investigations by the FID, the operation to apprehend Mr. Panton was executed by police officers assigned to the Special Investigation Branch of the JCF’s Constabulary Financial Unit and the FID.
After his arrest, Mr. Panton participated in a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney, after which he was charged with 14 counts each of:
- Embezzlement
- Engaging in a transaction involving criminal property
- Possession of criminal property
- Facilitating a transaction involving criminal property
- Falsification of accounts
- Conspiracy to defraud
He was granted bail in the sum of J$700,000.00 and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St. Andrew Criminal Court at Half-Way-Tree on July 6, 2026.
Background
The allegations stem from concerns first identified in November 2024 during a period of system downtime at the University. During reconciliation of cashier close-out reports against bank deposits, it was identified that J$970,000.00 had not been lodged. Further investigations indicated that the funds were later returned/lodged by Mr. Panton; however, the sequence of events remained inconsistent with expected cash-handling practices.
Additional concerns arose during the January 2026 examination period when students presented manual receipts for payments that were not reflected in the University’s records. This triggered a formal investigation into the manual receipting, banking and receivables posting processes.
The investigation revealed that the sequence in manual receipt books had been broken and that several receipt books remained unaccounted for. A total of J$1,702,000.00 could not be accounted for from the manual receipts reviewed. Of that amount, J$552,500.00 has since been returned/lodged, leaving a current deficit of J$1,149,500.00.
Mr. Panton and another employee were placed on suspension in January 2026. A report was subsequently made to the FID.
The FID’s Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations, Mr. Keith Darien, said the matter underscores the importance of strong internal controls and timely reporting when financial irregularities are suspected.
“This case highlights why institutions must maintain robust systems for cash handling, receipting, reconciliation and oversight. Where funds are collected on behalf of an institution, there must be clear accountability at every stage.”
Adding that, “The FID will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and institutional partners to investigate suspected financial crimes and ensure that matters supported by evidence are placed before the court.”
The FID reminds the public that charges are allegations and that Mr. Panton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.