CMU employee charged over alleged misappropriation of student funds

KINGSTON, Jamaica — An accounting officer/customer service officer employed at the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) has been arrested and charged following an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving student payments.The accused, Kevan Anthony Panton, faces 14 counts each of embezzlement, engaging in transactions involving criminal property, possession of criminal property, facilitating transactions involving criminal property, falsification of accounts, and conspiracy to defraud.According to the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the charges stem from a report submitted by CMU's leadership team, which prompted an extensive investigation that ultimately led to Panton’s arrest.The allegations stem from concerns first identified in November 2024 during a period of system downtime at the university. During a reconciliation exercise comparing cashier close-out reports with bank deposits, it was discovered that 970,000 had not been deposited. Investigators later determined that the funds were subsequently lodged by Panton; however, the circumstances surrounding the transaction were inconsistent with established cash-handling procedures.The FID said additional discrepancies emerged during the January 2026 examination period when students presented manual payment receipts that were not reflected in the university’s records. This prompted a formal investigation into the institution’s manual receipting, banking and receivables posting processes.Investigators found that receipt book sequences had been disrupted and that several receipt books could not be accounted for. A review of the manual receipts revealed that 1,702,000 was unaccounted for. Of that amount, 552,500 has since been returned or deposited, leaving an outstanding deficit of 1,149,500, according to the FID.Panton and another employee were suspended in January 2026, after which a formal report was made to the FID.He was granted bail in the sum of 700,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on July 6, 2026.Commenting on the case, FID Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations, Keith Darien, said the matter highlights the critical need for strong internal controls and prompt reporting of suspected financial irregularities.“This case highlights why institutions must maintain robust systems for cash handling, receipting, reconciliation and oversight. Where funds are collected on behalf of an institution, there must be clear accountability at every stage,” he said.Darien added, “The FID will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and institutional partners to investigate suspected financial crimes and ensure that matters supported by evidence are placed before the court.”