Dancehall artist Marlon “Kiprich” Plunkett has been formally cleared of charges related to a song that authorities claimed promoted gang violence and paid tribute to alleged One Order Gang leader Othniel “Thickman” Lobban, who was fatally shot by police in January.
The prosecution withdrew the case on Tuesday in the St Catherine Parish Court after it emerged that they lacked the necessary voice recognition equipment to properly handle the evidence. Presiding Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne formally dismissed the charges against the 46-year-old entertainer.
Attorney Patrick Peterkin, representing Plunkett, said, “We feel that justice was served here today, which resulted in Mr Plunkett’s freedom. He can now resume a fulsome delve into his music, as this case was affecting him negatively.”
Plunkett was initially charged on January 25, 2025, with using audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activities. Authorities from the Spanish Town Police alleged that his song Stay Far Freestyle contained lyrics endorsing the late One Order Gang leader.
Following his arrest, Plunkett voluntarily turned himself in at the Spanish Town Police Station, accompanied by Peterkin, and was listed as a person of interest by the St Catherine North Police. He maintained his innocence throughout multiple court appearances.
During Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors acknowledged that they could not verify the voice on the recording due to a lack of technical resources, leading to the dismissal of the case.
