Prison Reform Advocate Facing Fraud Charges

Published
Jessica Thompson

By Zaya Williams

Activist Jessica Thompson is currently facing 13 charges for fraudulently obtaining money and one for larceny of an individual’s bank card.

Thompson, of Bathlodge, who may be known for advocating for prison reform, is alleged to have stolen someone’s bank card and withdrawn $19,700.

The 42-year-old reportedly withdrew the money in December at two different locations.

She appeared in the St. John’s Magistrate’s Court this morning and was given bail by Magistrate Dexter Wason in the sum of $20,000 with a $3000 cash requirement.

She also has to surrender her travel documents, report to a police station a few days a week and provide sureties.

In 2021, Thompson filed a constitutional motion against the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in protest of the deplorable conditions at Her Majesty’s Prison. 

Having served time in prison in the past, she testified first hand to the inhumane conditions at the facility and sought the public’s assistance in her fight.

Now, she is facing serious criminal charges that could land her behind bars again.

Antigua.News Whatsapp Channel

This story was first published by Antigua News on February 9, 2024: antigua.news/2024/02/09/prison-reform-advocate-facing-fraud-charges. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (2)

  • Too smart February 9, 2024, 9:09 PM

    Girl wanted to have better conditions for her return … can you blame her
    Reply
    • Jules October 6, 2025, 7:24 AM

      I was saying the same thing.too smart you just beat me to it.
      Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section