6/3/05  

PatraPopular entertainer, DJ Lady Patra, who was arrested for reportedly defrauding ten musicians of over J$ 1 million, had her J$500,000 bail extended when she appeared in the Montego Bay, Jamaica resident magistrates court on May 19.

The female entertainer, whose real name is Dorothy Smith, was jointly charged with Harry Grant, her alleged boyfriend, in April of this year. Her arrest stems from an alleged visa procurement deal with the musicians.

It is speculated that the couple entered into negotiations with these persons to procure UK visas and social security cards, as well as employment in the UK. Between October 2003 and November 2004, a total of $1,038,000 was allegedly paid to the accused couple. These monies were reportedly left at the security desk at the couple’s residence in Bogue Village, Montego Bay.

After several months elapsed and the visas and social security cards did not materialise, the disgruntled musicians sought the intervention of the police, which led to the arrest of the accused couple.

When the matter was called up in court, one of the complainants told the court that ever since the arrest of Patra and her boyfriend, he has been receiving death threats, but he could not identify the caller.

The presiding judge gave orders for a trace to be made on the calls.

Patra and Grant are booked to re-appear in court on July 14 when the matter will again be addressed.