Radio Jamaica News has been informed that at least 13 persons were charged on Friday evening following a raid earlier in the day on the Qahal Yahweh religious compound in Norwood, St James.
Senior Superintendent Vernon Ellis, divisional commander for the St James Police, told Radio Jamaica News the individuals were charged for breaches of the Child Care and Protection Act. He said other individuals will be charged shortly.
Javaughn Thompson, leader of the religious group, is expected to be among those charged, according to a police source.
Members of the security forces, assisted by officials of the Ministry of Health and the Child Protection & Family Services Agency carried out Friday's raid on the compound following persistent allegations of abuse at the facility.
Twenty-four people, including Thompson, were arrested during the operation.
There were 15 women among the detainees.
Some of the detainees are also facing assault charges following allegations that some members were physically assaulted, and charges for breaches of the Marriage Act.
The police conducted a similar operation at the compound on June 7 in which 23 children and 15 adults were removed amid allegations of child abuse.
In a post on social media site, TikTok, Mr Thompson claimed that for three and a half years, he and members of his group have been "terrorised" by the security forces.
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