FBI fraud fugitive returned to Florida after Jamaica capture as three die in Mandeville shootout

A fugitive on the FBI's most wanted fraudsters list has been returned to the Southern District of Florida to face federal charges over a scheme that allegedly obtained more than US$32 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Elaine Esco, 41, was indicted in 2025 on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. After a federal arrest warrant issued in May 2025, she missed a court appearance and fled to Jamaica. Acting on FBI information and a tip, Jamaican authorities detained her while she lived under the alias Harley Newman.

In a release from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect allegedly took tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, diverting resources from legitimate businesses in a national crisis, and that those who exploit taxpayer-funded programmes will be held to account no matter how long it takes or where they hide. Esco was returned to South Florida through coordinated efforts by the FBI, the US Marshals Service, the US Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Regional Security Office at the US Embassy in Kingston, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the JCF Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team. She is the last remaining defendant charged in the scheme after a December 2025 trial.

In Manchester, preliminary reports said several armed men exchanged gunfire with police in the Horseshoe Corner, Caledonia Meadows area of Mandeville. Three of the gunmen were fatally shot by officers.

St. Catherine South police also arrested a man linked to the July 21 killing of taxi operator Andre McKenzie, 36, of Aurora Close, Watson Grove, Gregory Park. McKenzie was shot along Dawkins Drive in Portmore about 9:30 p.m. An intelligence-led operation in Portmore on July 22 recovered an FN 9mm pistol with a magazine holding two 9mm cartridges concealed in bushes. The arrested man's identity is being withheld.

Minister without portfolio with responsibility for works, Robert Nesta Morgan, said road activity will rise sharply ahead of the new school year, with contractors already signed and mobilising on main roads islandwide. The government pointed to an additional $1.5 million for the GO road rehabilitation programme, prioritising western Jamaica and corridors needing urgent work through December under National Works Agency oversight. Morgan said school routes and public transport corridors will get special attention, building on extensive repairs after Hurricane Melissa under a $1.6 billion programme, including Kingston stretches such as Tom Redcam Avenue, Arthur Wint Drive, Upper Waterloo Road and West King's House Road.

The People's National Party could face a leadership race next year between President Mark Golding and Northwest St. Catherine MP and education spokesperson Damian Crawford, who has signalled plans to challenge; Golding has accepted. Political commentator Germaine Barrett called Crawford a worthy contender and Golding a strong opponent, saying a public campaign is already afoot.

Criminologist Dr. Jason Mai said South St. James MP Nikisha Burchell should not have gone public with calls for a state-sponsored security detail despite disclosing she fears for her safety, arguing decision-makers can be approached privately and process must be followed. He said some posts, including prosecutors, judges and certain ministers, warrant protection, but Jamaica lacks enough police for every official and private close protection can be an option.

About 41 farmers in St. Catherine's Heartlands are preparing for a multi-million-dollar irrigation project involving the Agriculture Ministry, the National Irrigation Commission and Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings Limited. Residents also pressed for reliable household water; South Central St. Catherine MP Dr. Andrew Wheatley said farmer irrigation and nearby development should help extend domestic supply to the area's fewer than 50 homes.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said vegetable imports enter Jamaica only when need clearly outweighs risk, as US agencies trace Cyclospora to imported commercial iceberg lettuce, with more than 7,000 suspected and nearly 4,200 confirmed domestic lab cases from May 1 to July 20, a recall in 27 states and over 300 hospitalisations. He said greenhouse leafy-vegetable growers are still rebuilding after Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, so Jamaica is not ready to chase an export opening and must keep safe local produce for domestic use.

The Rita Marley Foundation marked the reggae icon's 80th birthday on July 25 at Tuff Gong International, celebrating her legacy and scholarship support under the theme of gratitude.