Dancehall music producer Linval ‘Shab Don’ Thompson Jr was found not guilty on Monday of breaching the Corruption Prevention Act, ending a trial that began on February 19, 2026.
Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith acquitted Thompson after identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence. The case relied on four witnesses, two of whom had their credibility questioned during the proceedings.
Prosecutors had alleged that in October 2021, Thompson offered $2 million to a police officer to remove an illegal firearm from his Mercedes-Benz before it was searched. Thompson was represented by attorney Donahue Martin.
“Well yes, I can confirm that my client Mr Linval Thompson was found not guilty for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. And in relation to this matter, he’s a free man,” Martin said following the ruling.
The charge arose from an incident in Old Harbour, St Catherine, when members of the police Specialised Operations SWAT team reportedly found a loaded illegal firearm in a vehicle Thompson was travelling in. He was subsequently charged under the Corruption Prevention Act but was later cleared of both gun and bribery charges.
Thompson also faces a separate trial in the St James Circuit Court in connection with a triple murder. He and co-accused Tajay Clark remain in custody in that case, which involves the fatal shooting of three people at a birthday party on Marl Road in Rose Heights, St James, on May 25, 2022.
