Jamaican social media influencer Markie Markland has been reportedly charged with trafficking a person for sexual servitude. The 36-year-old was allegedly arrested last December, and after weeks of public speculation, public records link him to a serious criminal case in the United States.
Records indicate that the alleged offence dates back to July 10, 2023. Markland, whose legal name is Jovian Markland, was reported to be in custody in Atlanta, Georgia, up to last week. Court records over the weekend indicate that he was granted a US$25,000 bond, though it remains unclear whether he has since been released.
News of his arrest surfaced in December with the circulation of the public records from the New York City Department of Correction. The court documents detailed that he was taken into custody on Monday, December 29, 2025. While the document showed he was booked into the Eric M. Taylor Center, the charge was not listed.
After images believed to be taken from official court and jail databases began circulating online, the story gained rapid attention on social media platforms. Some posts alleged that Markland had been intercepted while trying to leave the country for Brazil, though those claims have not been verified by any authority.
The day after his arrest, Markland was reportedly brought before the Queens Criminal Court, according to the public records on the New York State Unified Court System. During that appearance, he was ordered held on remand with bail, with a follow-up court date set for January 13, 2026. He did not secure a bond until late January.
As the records circulated, attention also turned to Markland’s online presence. His social media accounts have remained inactive since December 28, with no posts, explanations, or acknowledgements of the situation. No public statement has been issued by his team or any legal representative. Now that his bond has been set, social media users are now anticipating his return.
