Neville Paul, Gleaner Writer

St. Elizabeth:

A Special constable attached to the St. Elizabeth police was yesterday sentenced to 17 years at hard labour when he appeared in the parish's Circuit Court on wounding and gun charges.

Thirty-three-year-old Floyd Schloss was sentenced by Justice Donald McIntosh when he appeared on charges of illegal possession of firearm and wounding with intent.

It was reported that on October 18 last year, Special Constable Schloss went to Bigwoods where he surprised a group of farmers in a ganja field.

During an argument, it is alleged that the special constable pulled a firearm and fired shots which hit one of the farmers in the leg.

It was reported that, sometime later that day, Special Constable Schloss went to the home of one of the farmers where he demanded money from their relatives. It was reported that he was given $20,000 by the sister of the injured farmer.

The matter was reported to the Black River police and the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) was called in.

Positively identified

The special constable was then taken into custody and, during an identification parade which was conducted on October 28, he was positively identified.

Following investigations by the BSI the case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the special constable was charged.

He was yesterday sentenced to seven years for the wounding charge and 10 years on the charge of illegal possession of firearm.

The two sentences are to run concurrently. In handing down sentence, Justice Donald McIntosh remarked that there was too much corruption taking place within the membership of the constabulary force, and therefore, persons must ensure that they do not run afoul of the law they have sworn to uphold.