Fifty-four-year-old corporate and commercial lawyer P.J. Asher is to answer fraud charges in the Supreme Court on February 16, 2021.

In July of this year, Asher was arrested by Jamaica’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime (C-TOC) unit concerning an investigation into a number of fraud allegations surrounding the acquisition of the gas station company National Fuels & Lubricants by Total Jamaica Limited. At the time, Asher served as company secretary and attorney for Total Jamaica Limited.

Asher had to pay bail of J$1 million and was informed that he must report into a police station once a week.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, headed by Paula Llewellyn.

Asher, who resides in Millsborough, St Andrew, has denied any wrongdoing and maintains all dealings were done in good faith.

Roy DeCambre, founder and managing director of National Fuels, has made it clear that he wants the income derived from the gas stations in question – which he says comes to J$3 billion. He is also seeking interest and damages.

He sold his company to Total Jamaica back in 2004. It is understood that investigations into alleged fraudulent activities are ongoing, which could result in further charges.