Fifty-six-year-old Philip Panton, a retiree of Spanish Town, St Catherine has been charged with obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud.

Reports from the Spanish Town Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) indicate that Panton told one of his relatives that he could get him on an overseas work programme.

Between May and July, the relative and other victims reportedly paid JM $2.19 million to Panton.

However, Panton allegedly failed to honour his end of the agreement and did not return the money collected.

A report was made to the police and Panton was apprehended. He was charged following a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney.

His court date is yet to be finalised.