Jessica Thompson
By Zya Williams
Jessica Thompson, an advocate for prison reform, had her fraud case adjourned until July 22.
Thompson faces 13 charges related to fraudulent money acquisition and one for the larceny of an individual’s bank card.
Allegations suggest she unlawfully obtained $19,700 by stealing someone’s bank card and withdrawing the funds at two separate locations in December, 2023
Thompson, 42, was instructed to return in a couple of months during her second appearance at the St. John’s Magistrate’s Court.
Currently on a $20,000 bond, she paid $3000 in cash, surrendered her travel documents, and is therefore free until convicted.
Additionally, she must report to a police station several days a week and provide sureties.
Previously, in 2021, Thompson initiated a constitutional motion against the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to protest the dire conditions at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Drawing from her own experience of incarceration, she shed light on the facility’s inhumane conditions and rallied public support for reform efforts.
Now, facing serious criminal charges, Thompson risks returning to prison herself.
She was seen boarding a flight at VC Bird International recently, so I doubt she has surrendered her travel documents!