Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

A policeman accused of taking money to locate a missing person was granted $600,000 bail in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Charged with two counts of soliciting and perverting the course of justice is Demerce Sooman, 38. He returns on July 27

Allegations are that on June 13, the male complainant visited the Rockfort Police Station in Kingston to file a missing child report. It is said that he made contact with Corporal Sooman, who reportedly told him that he would be able to assist with locating the child, but wanted "a package".

The court heard that Sooman reportedly asked the complainant for some "cheese", meaning he wanted money. It was heard that the corporal solicited and accepted $14,000.

Sometime later, the complainant reportedly made contact with Sooman, who solicited an additional $15,000 for the safe return of the child. A report was made to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency and a sting operation was carried out during which Sooman was searched and the second instalment found on his person.

Sooman was subsequently arrested and charged.

Resident Magistrate Maxine Ellis granted Sooman bail. He is to report to the Spanish Town police on Wednesdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. A stop order was made and he was fingerprinted.