Speaking with Dancehall Report exclusively about embattled dancehall artist Silk Boss is Attorney Shadae Bailey. The Kingston and Montego Bay based attorney who has represented clients in several ongoing high profile cases in the Jamaican courts says, the artist who has been identified as a ‘person of interest’ has a couple of options and she explained to Dancehall Report what the term means and what should be Silk Boss, real name Rohan Reid’s next move.
“He seems to be going through a lot and he is young man who needs help and directions in order to start his healing process. He should deal with this part with the police to begin the process of healing physically, professionally and emotionally from this incident,” she said. “No one wants to be subjected to such acts of violence, everyone needs the protection of the law and a lawyer can help,” she told Dancehall Report.
The 30 year old lawyer continued, “Person of interest is a term used by the Police when identifying someone possibly involved in a criminal investigation who has not been arrested or formally accused of a crime. This phrase may also apply to situation where a person may have information that would assist a current investigation, or possesses certain characteristics that merit further attention.”
“Simply put: a person of interest can be deemed a suspect in a criminal offense, or a potential witness in a criminal investigation. The police usually clears that up at the police station through discussions with the person of interest and his Attorney. When a person is listed as a person of interest, it is usually best that he or she retains the services of an Attorney to assist with the process” she continued.
Silk Boss did not turn himself in at the midday on Monday as per request of the St. Catherine South Police. However, it is reported by Dancehall Mag that the Mankind deejay contacted the cops to make alternative arrangements.
“He made contact with us and his lawyer also made contact. The necessary arrangements have been made,” senior superintendent Christopher Phillips, commanding officer of the St. Catherine South police, told Dancehall Mag.
Over the weekend, the Dancehall artist, whose real name is Rohan Reid, had been asked to report to the Portmore Criminal Investigations Branch by midday on Monday.
The St Catherine South Police said that their investigators had taken note of videos circulating on social media which showed Silk Boss being assaulted by masked men.
Attorney Bailey emphasized that, the role of the lawyer at this stage for Silk is important and may include but not limited to:
“1. Advising the client of his rights. 2. Protecting the rights of the client. 2. Preparing him for any investigative or procedural action that the police may deemed fit to use or execute, such as a detention or arrest. 3. The Attorney will seek to “clear” the status of the person of interest by ascertaining the “interest” and strategically deciding the way forward based on the information gathered. Potential action(s) of the Police may include: A. Conducting an “informal”Police interview; B. Conducting a formal interview (Question and Answer session) with the person of interest; 2. Conducting an Identification Parade. 3. Detaining the person until further notice. 4. Charging and arresting the person. 5. If he is a potential witness, the police may take a witness statement from the person. The action(s) of the police is subjected to their investigation or intelligence gathered. What advice I would give? Retain a Lawyer in order to protect his rights and his brand. The term ‘person of interest’ has a negative connotation to it, and as such it is important that he takes step to protect his brand.”
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