Caribbean Maritime University Accounting Officer Charged, Alleged Misappropriation of Student Funds

A Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) employee was arrested and charged on Wednesday over alleged financial irregularities involving student funds. 

Kevan Anthony Anton, an Accounting Officer and Consumer Service Officer at the institution, faces 84 charges, 14 counts each of embezzlement, falsification of accounts, conspiracy to defraud, and related offences involving criminal property.

Acting on a report from CMU’s leadership, the Financial Investigation Division (FID) and the Constabulary Financial Unit at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) conducted the operation leading to his arrest. 

Panton was granted bail of J$700,000 and is to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Criminal Court at Half Way Tree on July 6, 2026.

The allegations trace back to November 2024, when a reconciliation of cashier reports against bank deposits revealed J$970,000 had gone unlodged. Though later returned, the irregularity raised concerns. Matters escalated in January 2026 when students produced manual receipts for payments not reflected in university records.

Investigators found receipt book sequences were broken and several books unaccounted for, leaving a current deficit of J$1,149,500 from a total discrepancy of J$1,708,000.

Panton and a second employee were suspended and the matter referred to the FID.

The FID noted that the charges are allegations and that Panton is presumed innocent until proven guilty.