Concerns about the Crown’s state of readiness have surfaced as the trial of alleged Clansman Gang leader Tesha Miller and 24 others has been set to begin on February 2 in the Home Circuit Court. Prosecutors disclosed that key materials remain outstanding, including cell phone forensic reports, DNA analysis, and reports relating to seized mobile devices, with the lead prosecutor indicating that the prosecution was not trial-ready and warning that proceeding could prejudice the accused. 

Clansman Gang trial booked for February 2

Jamaica Gleaner/13 Jan 2026/Tanesha Mundle/staff Reporter 

THE TRIAL of alleged Clansman Gang leader Tesha Miller and 24 other alleged gang members has been booked for commencement in the Home Circuit Court on February 2.

The trial, which was initially fixed for January 7, was delayed after the Crown asked for an adjournment to June due to incomplete disclosure and outstanding forensic evidence.

However, Justice Dale Palmer, who dismissed the application for a June adjournment, yesterday fixed the trial for February, noting that although he is eager to begin the matter, the time would give the lawyers in the case sufficient opportunity to consult with their clients.

Lead prosecutor, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Janek Forbes, had explained that the case spans 16 separate incidents over five years and involves a potential witness list of 99. He said disclosure had only recently been done due to technical challenges and that several key materials, including cell phone forensic reports, DNA analysis and reports from the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division relating to seized mobile devices, remain outstanding and would not be available in a short time.

Forbes also disclosed that DNA samples from some of the accused remain outstanding.

He argued that proceeding in those circumstances could prejudice the accused and urged the court to grant an adjournment to allow the Crown to complete disclosure, telling the court that the prosecution was not trial-ready.

UNTENABLE OPTION

In refusing the application, Palmer acknowledged some of the challenges faced by the Crown, but said granting a June adjournment would be an untenable option.

“When balanced against the significant movement of resources, including time, court resources and counsel resources, as well as the setting aside of court time, [it] means that the defendants would be denied the opportunity to have their day in court for months, or possibly up to a year,” he said.

In addition to the Crown’s application, defence lawyers also complained about not being allowed inside the penal institution with their electronic devices to review material with their clients and to take further instructions. As a result, Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier Radgh Mason was summoned before the court on Friday, where he insisted that lawyers had not been barred from entering correctional facilities with electronic devices, and agreed to the posting of notices at facilities, advising that attorneys are to be allowed access to consult with their clients.

He explained that the matter had been addressed from March and that he had not received any formal complaints from lawyers.

During that hearing the court was informed that the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division has promised to have the outstanding reports ready within six weeks, while the DNA analysis process is expected to take 16 weeks. A peer review process following completion of the analysis is also expected to take an additional two to three weeks.

The court was also informed that several statements relating to expert witnesses and scene of crime officers had been disclosed.

Meanwhile, the accused, all of whom appeared via Zoom except for Dr Paul Robinson, whose bail was extended, were remanded.

Prosecutors allege that the accused were members of the Clansman Gang and engaged in multiple criminal acts in St Catherine between August 2017 and August 2022.

The charges include murder, conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravation, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of ammunition.

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