A member of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)—Correctional Officer Romel Wilkie—appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, in connection with an alleged assault of a male inmate at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre.

The incident occurred on February 26, 2025, during a cell search for contraband.

Following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) ruled that Correctional Officer Wilkie should be charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, contrary to section 20(1) of the Offences Against the Person Act.

According to the allegations, the complainant was struck in the face, near his ear, by the correctional officer during the search. Medical evidence subsequently indicated that the complainant suffered a ruptured left eardrum.

Wilkie was bound over, and the matter is scheduled to go to trial on April 14, 2026.

INDECOM reported that since January 2024, a total of 56 law enforcement officers have been charged in relation to incidents investigated by the Commission. Of that number, six were members of the Department of Correctional Services.