District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Tortola Man Sentenced to 10 Months for Possession of a 40 cal. Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ashan Westcott, 29, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, was sentenced on Thursday, October 10, 2019, for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Westcott to 10 months in prison, followed by a one-year term of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement, on March 2, 2019, the Virgin Islands Police Department ("VIPD") responded to a motorcycle and vehicle accident on Turpentine Run Road, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Westcott, who was injured in the accident, was identified as the driver of the motorcycle. In response to an EMT’s request to locate the defendant’s ID, a VIPD officer looked in a backpack Westcott had been wearing at the time of the accident. While looking for the ID, the officer found a loaded Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun in Westcott’s backpack.
Westcott is a citizen of Tortola, British Virgin Islands and when he was apprehended on March 2, 2019, was in the United States illegally.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Eleven Venezuelan Nationals Arrested Following Apprehension Aboard a Venezuelan Vessel Near St. Croix and Seizure of 55 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that eleven (11) men claiming to be Venezuelan nationals, VICENT MATA ANYELO, ALFER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, ALEXIS FUENTES, FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ INFANTE, JOHAN GARCIA SUAREZ, CARLOS RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, HENRY GONZALEZ NORIEGA, ALGLER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, JHONNY RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL JESUS SALAZAR GONZALEZ, and JOHAN JOSE PACHECO LEZAMA, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an Initial Appearance after arrests by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, and Destruction and Attempt or Conspire to Destroy Property Subject to Forfeiture.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard Cutter DONALD HORSLEY intercepted a suspicious 55 foot vessel named LA GRAN TORMENTA displaying Venezuelan nationality approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. The LA GRAN TORMENTA did not reply to DONALD HORSLEY'S efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, LA GRAN TORMENTA changed course and jettisoned packages. Coast Guard Cutter DONALD HORSLEY was subsequently able to retrieve two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick shaped objects, with an estimated weight of 55 kilograms in total. Presumptive tests on the packages yielded positive results for the presence of cocaine. After requesting and receiving the permission from the flag state to stop the vessel, United States Coast Guard personnel attempted a right of visit boarding, which was ineffective because crew on the LA GRAN TORMENTA disregarded the Coast Guard personnel’s instructions. Eventually Coast Guard personnel obtained control of the LA GRAN TORMENTA through use of an "entanglement tactic" which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team encountered 11 persons, later identified as the above-listed VICENT MATA ANYELO, ALFER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, ALEXIS FUENTES, FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ INFANTE, JOHAN GARCIA SUAREZ, CARLOS RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, HENRY GONZALEZ NORIEGA, ALGLER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, JHONNY RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL JESUS SALAZAR GONZALEZ, and JOHAN JOSE PACHECO LEZAMA.
The men face up to life imprisonment for the offense and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Detention and preliminary hearings in this case have been scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in federal court.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two Arrested for Smuggling $287,000 into St. Thomas Following High-Speed Chase and Apprehension Near Savana IslandRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that charges have been filed against two men for attempting to smuggle approximately $287,000 into St. Thomas by boat. Arioc Diaz Melendez and Juan Carlos Diaz Melendez were arrested at 2:00 a.m. Monday morning and made their initial appearances in federal court on Monday afternoon in St. Thomas.
According to court documents, early Monday morning CBP Marine Unit agents identified a boat traveling without navigational lights north of Savana Island. CBP agents pulled their vessel alongside the 24-foot yola-type vessel that was operating without lights. CBP agents activated their police blue lights and discharged a flare, in an effort to convince the other vessel to yield. When CBP agents attempted to initiate a stop, the other vessel did not yield but instead increased speed. The CBP agents shot one round into one of the engines of the other vessel at which point the vessel decreased speed and stopped. The passenger threw a duffel bag overboard. The bag was recovered by CBP agents and later found to contain roughly $287,000 in U.S. currency. After CBP agents disabled one of the boat’s motor, they boarded the vessel, and apprehended the two defendants. The agents also recovered a Glock firearm.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Albino.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Announces Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative: Partnering with the Faith-based Community to Address Violence and Encourage Community-Based Problem-SolvingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today a partnership between the USVI Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and members of the faith-based community to encourage information-sharing and coordination as a means of combatting gun-related violence. The announcement follows meetings in St. Thomas and St. Croix today, where representatives of various churches and faith-based organizations, the St. Croix Long-Term Recovery Group, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office discussed how best to address violence in the Territory.
"Today’s meetings represent a concerted effort by faith and community leaders in St. Thomas and St. Croix who are committed to working closely to break the cycle of violence," U.S. Attorney Shappert said. "Speakers at today’s meetings stressed the need to ‘break out of our silos’ and share valuable information about pressing needs and available resources." Building upon the success of a recent St. Croix Long-Term Recovery Group workshop in St. Croix, today’s discussions emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of students who lack afterschool learning and recreational opportunities; persons in correctional facilities who would benefit from education and mental health resources; and unemployed young people who require mentoring and vocational opportunities.
"What became apparent in today’s meetings, is that we all need to focus on identifying what resources are currently available in the Territory and what federal grants and other resources may be available to fill specific needs. One of the faith-based leaders emphasized the need for ‘wrap-around services,’ and that’s exactly what we will be looking for," Shappert said.
According to U.S. Attorney Shappert, "Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy. It is a tested and proven program to invest in our communities and foster vital partnerships. PSN enables the United States Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners, to target and prioritize criminal prosecutions on the most violent people in the most violent areas. Second, we engage with a wide variety of stakeholders—from federal and local law enforcement, to community groups, educators, faith-based organizations, and victims’ advocates—in order to identify the needs specific to our communities and to develop strategies to reduce crime."
Individuals wanting to know more about Project Safe Neighborhoods can check out Project Safe Neighborhoods. For those wishing to participate in the PSN initiative, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 340-774-5757.
Two Arrested for Smuggling $800,000 into St. Thomas Following Apprehension Near Savana IslandRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that complaints have been filed against two men for attempting to smuggle approximately $800,000 into St. Thomas by boat. Jose Ernesto Vazquez Colon and Abnel Belordo Colon were arrested Friday evening and made their initial appearances in federal court on Saturday in St. Thomas.
According to court documents, late Friday evening CBP Marine Unit agents noticed a boat traveling without navigational lights about three miles north of Savana Island. When CBP agents attempted to initiate a stop, the two individuals on the boat began throwing bags overboard. The bags were later found to contain roughly $800,000 in U.S. currency. After CBP agents disabled the boat’s motor, they boarded the vessel, apprehended the two defendants, and recovered multiple dumbbells with ropes attached. According to court documents, dumbbells tied to ropes are often used to ensure that contraband materials thrown overboard will sink to the bottom, enabling the contraband to be recovered later, using GPS.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Virgin Islands Police Officer Indicted for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging V.I.P.D. Officer Yomont King with a variety of offenses, including bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and forgery. King made his initial appearance in federal court today in St. Croix.
According to the indictment, King defrauded one bank by depositing a $10,990 loan check intended for a third party into his own personal bank account on multiple occasions. In another instance, according to the charging document, King forged checks totaling $2,800 and deposited them into his own personal bank account.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Virgin Islands Police Department Economic Crimes Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
An indictment is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Possession of a Firearm While Under Indictment for Assault Third Degree and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Sergio Rijo-Feliz, 27, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration for possession of a firearm while under indictment by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on September 19, 2019. Judge Lewis also ordered Rijo-Feliz to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.00, to supervised release for three years and to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
According to a plea agreement, and documents filed with the court, on October 2, 2018 Rijo-Feliz’ mother entered the Marshal Command Police Station, Christiansted, St. Croix, and reported that she found a firearm in his backpack which was in her car. She had just dropped Rijo-Feliz off at the Superior Court in Kingshill to sign in with the Probation Office. After discovering the firearm, she drove away while Rijo-Feliz was still at the courthouse. A subsequent search of the backpack revealed a 9mm Sturm Ruger handgun with one live round in the chamber and twenty live rounds in the attached magazine. An extended magazine with thirty 9mm live cartridges was also found inside the backpack along with a black ski mask, black wallet with a driver’s license and other ID’s belonging to Rijo-Feliz. Subsequent to his arrest, Rijo-Feliz admitted ownership and possession of the firearm.
At the time of the search, Rijo-Feliz was facing charges of Assault Third Degree and Possession of a Firearm During a Violent Crime in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. He had no license to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to Six and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Roosevelt Dowling, 59, of St. Croix, was sentenced on September 18, 2019, in District Court on one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Dowling to a prison term of 78 months (6.5 years), to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on January 30, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Dowling’s Estate La Grande Princess residence and vehicle. These officers seized approximately 31 grams of crack cocaine, 759 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, 19 marijuana plants, 2 digital scales, and $6,690 in cash.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith J. Edwards prosecuted the case.
St. Croix Man Arrested on Drug and Firearm Charges Following Search of His Anna Hope ResidenceRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Troy Patterson, 51, of St. Croix, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an Initial Appearance after his arrest by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents on the charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute; Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; and Fugitive in Possession of a Firearm.
According to court documents, in the early morning of September 18, 2019, law enforcement agents and officers executed a search warrant at Patterson’s Anna Hope residence. The search resulted in the seizure of 301 marijuana plants, approximately 117 grams of processed marijuana, approximately 168 grams of cocaine, and a loaded Taurus .38 caliber firearm. Additionally, Patterson had an active 2004 warrant from Oregon for failing to appear on Dangerous Drugs violations.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Production of Child Pornography and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Gilroy D. Elcock, 47, of St. Croix, was sentenced Tuesday for six counts of production of child pornography, two counts of aggravated rape first degree, and one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Elcock to 360 months for the federal production of child pornography and possession of child pornography charges, and to 15 years consecutive for the aggravated first degree rape charges. The aggravated first degree rape counts will be served consecutive to the federal offenses. Judge Lewis also sentenced Elcock to supervised release for life and imposed a $700 special assessment.
Evidence presented at trial established that the defendant met J.S. and J.J.S.’s mother in October 2013. The mother and the defendant started dating and in January 2014, the defendant moved into the residence with the two children and their mother. The defendant started having sexual relations with J.S., then age16, and J.J.S., then age12, and used his cell phone to video-record the sexual encounters. According to the trial testimony, J.J.S. asked the defendant to stop the sexual encounters, but he continued. The children’s mother spoke to J.J.S., after one of Elcock’s friends told her about a sex video of one of her daughters and Elcock. J.J.S. showed her mother Facebook messages between her and the defendant. The messages were sexual in nature and when the mother saw the messages, she called the police. The police spoke to the defendant, who denied having sexual contact with the minors and recording those encounters. The defendant gave the police consent to search the phone in 2014, but no videos were recovered. A second search in 2016 yielded seven videos depicting the defendant engaged in sexual acts with J.S. and J.J.S. The videos had been hidden, using an encryption App.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Possession of a Firearm while Under Indictment for Robbery, Assault, and Other Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Ameade Williams, 24, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 41 months of incarceration for possession of a firearm while under indictment by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on September 9, 2019. Judge Lewis also ordered Williams to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.00, to supervised release for three years, and to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
On September 11, 2018, Virgin Islands police and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Williams’ residence located at No. 4E Two Williams, Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. During the search, police uncovered a .223 Kel Tec pistol with two attached loaded magazines each containing 30 live rounds on a living room couch. They also uncovered a 9mm firearm loaded with 13 rounds. Firearm analysis revealed that both firearms were operable. Williams admitted that the firearms belonged to him. At the time of the search he was facing robbery, assault and firearm charges in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands in an unrelated matter.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Possession of a Firearm While Under Indictment for Robbery, Assault, and Other Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Ameade Williams, 24, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 41 months of incarceration for possession of a firearm while under indictment by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on September 9, 2019. Judge Lewis also ordered Williams to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.00, to supervised release for three years, and to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
On September 11, 2018, Virgin Islands police and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Williams’ residence located at No. 4E Two Williams, Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. During the search, police uncovered a .223 Kel Tec pistol with two attached loaded magazines each containing 30 live rounds on a living room couch. They also uncovered a 9mm firearm loaded with 13 rounds. Firearm analysis revealed that both firearms were operable. Williams admitted that the firearms belonged to him. At the time of the search he was facing robbery, assault and firearm charges in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands in an unrelated matter.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
Tankship Owner and Operator and Senior Officers Convicted of Violations for Air PollutionRead the Press Release
The owner and operator will pay a total criminal fine of $3,000,000.00
ST. CROIX – U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that IONIAN SHIPPING & TRADING CORP., LILY SHIPPING LTD., STAMATIOS ALEKIDIS, ATHANASIOS PITTAS and REY ESPULGAR have been convicted and sentenced for various pollution, recordkeeping, and obstruction of justice crimes on the Motor Tanker (“M/T”) Ocean Princess in St. Croix, U.S.V.I. The defendants’ conduct included using fuel that exceeded the maximum allowable sulfur concentration in the U.S. Caribbean Emission Control Area (“U.S. Caribbean ECA”) and efforts to deceive U.S. Coast Guard inspectors about the source of the fuel being used aboard the M/T Ocean Princess.
The M/T Ocean Princess was owned by LILY SHIPPING LTD. and operated by IONIAN SHIPPING & TRADING CORP., both Greece-domiciled companies. The vessel was engaged in transporting petroleum products throughout the Caribbean including from Limetree Terminals, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. The commercial manager of the vessel would authorize the Master of the vessel, STAMATIOS ALEKIDIS, to transfer petroleum cargo from the cargo tanks into the vessel’s fuel tanks, known as bunker tanks. As the owner and operator of the vessel, LILY SHIPPING LTD. and IONIAN SHIPPING & TRADING CORP. were further responsible for ensuring the vessel used fuel that complied with the U.S. Caribbean ECA standards.
While vessels are operating within the U.S. Caribbean ECA, they must not use fuel that exceeds 0.10% sulfur by weight in order to help protect air quality. Between January 3, 2017, and July 10, 2018, the M/T Ocean Princess entered into, and operated within, the U.S. Caribbean ECA using fuel that contained excessive sulfur on twenty-six separate occasions. The fuel was petroleum cargo that had been transferred to the fuel tanks as authorized by the vessel’s commercial manager. Once notification was received from Master STAMATIOS ALEKIDIS, Chief Officer REY ESPULGAR coordinated with Chief Engineer ATHANASIOS PITTAS to make the transfers from the cargo tanks to the bunker tanks. REY ESPULGAR then falsified the Oil Record Book, Part II, by failing to record that cargo had been transferred to the bunker tanks. ATHANASIOS PITTAS also falsified the Oil Record Book, Part I, by falsely recording that the fuel in the bunker tank originated from a shore-side company in St. Martin, F.W.I. Additionally, ATHANASIOS PITTAS created fictitious Bunker Delivery Notes that claimed the fuel in the bunkers came from the same shore-side company in St. Martin, F.W.I. Between March 2, 2016, and February 6, 2018, nineteen separate fictitious Bunker Delivery Notes were created on and kept aboard the vessel.
U.S. Coast Guard inspectors boarded the M/T Ocean Princess on July 10, 2018, to conduct an inspection. During the inspection, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered that the vessel was using fuel with an excessive sulfur content. Chief Officer REY ESPULGAR instructed some of the lower-ranking crewmembers to lie to the U.S. Coast Guard inspectors about where the fuel came from and to say the ship took on fuel in St. Martin, F.W.I., when in fact it did not.
“Protection of our unique environment and air quality are important priorities of federal law enforcement and prosecutors in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said U.S. Attorney Shappert. “These convictions underscore our commitment to holding violators accountable while defending precious natural resources. I am deeply grateful for the way that the federal partners worked together during this investigation to ensure that Justice is served.”
“Ocean going vessels emit hazardous air pollutants or air toxics that are associated with adverse health effects impacting populations living near ports and coastlines,” said Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in the Virgin Islands. “EPA, along with its law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring the shipping industry continues to comply with laws designed to protect air quality.”
“The results announced today send a strong message to anyone who seeks to take shortcuts and intentionally pollute our environment, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Coast Guard’s Resident Inspection Office in St. Croix and Sector San Juan marine inspectors who first identified the issue as well as our Coast Guard Investigative Service agents who worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in San Juan to investigate this case,” said Rear Adm. Peter Brown, Commander Coast Guard District Seven. “We will continue to work with our Department of Justice and environmental protection partners to hold accountable any who put profit above the protection of our waters, beaches, and the air above them for future generations.”
IONIAN SHIPPING & TRADING CORP. and LILY SHIPPING LTD. will each pay a fine of $1,500,000.00, be placed on four years of probation, and implement an Environmental Compliance Plan. STAMATIOS ALEKIDIS, ATHANASIOS PITTAS, and REY ESPULGAR were sentenced to three years of probation and ordered not to return to the United States on a ship during that time. REY ESPULGAR was also fined $3,000.00.
The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Chisholm and Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth Nelson prosecuted the case.
St. Thomas Man Charged with Bringing Illegal Aliens into the U.S. Territory and Two Charged with Unlawful EntryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Kalik Aaron, 22, Arkim Clersaint, 20, and Le Shaun Fahie, 23, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for an advice of rights hearing after being taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations on August 25, 2019. Aaron was charged with Bringing in or Harboring Illegal Aliens, and Clersaint and Fahie were both charged with Improper Entry by an Alien, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. At the conclusion of the hearing, Magistrate Miller released the defendants pending trial.
According to court documents, on Sunday, August 25, 2019, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Customs and Border Security (CBP) Marine Interdiction agents stopped a vessel operated by Aaron after it was observed leaving Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and entered the United States’ waters near St. John with improper lighting. After stopping the vessel, CPB’s Maritime Interdiction agents discovered two aliens and one United States citizen onboard. The aliens were identified as Clersaint and Fahie, both citizens of St. Lucia. Clersaint and Fahie provided the agents with St. Lucian passports, and Aaron provided proof of U.S. citizenship. Aaron, the captain of the vessel, told the agents that all three individuals had departed St. Thomas in the Frydenhoj Lagoon area on the evening of August 25, 2019, onboard the vessel, and traveled to Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, for a few hours before returning to St. John. The point of entry and time of their arrival, however, is not a designated port of entry nor hour of operation for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an information is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Ladislau Concepcion, Jr., 45, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2019 in federal court to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, on March 7, 2017, Defendant was traffic-stopped near the Golden Rock McDonald’s on St. Croix. Concepcion failed to produce a valid driver’s license, insurance, or registration for the vehicle he was operating. Subsequently, a K-9 drug detection dog alerted for the presence of narcotics in the rear of the vehicle and a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 172 grams of marijuana, 11 grams of crack cocaine, 10 grams of cocaine, empty vials, plastic baggies, a digital scale, scissors, and three cellular phones. A loaded Taurus .38 caliber handgun was located in the vehicle’s glove box. Concepcion, a convicted felon, did not have a license to possess the firearm, and was not permitted to possess it according to law.
Concepcion faces a mandatory minimum of five years of incarceration for the offense, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and forfeiture of the firearm and $1046.00 in cash. A sentencing date has been scheduled for December 20, 2019.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
Wanted Sex Offender Arrested on Federal Charge of Coercion and EnticementRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Roger Black, 48, of St. Croix, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an Initial Appearance on August 16, 2019, after his arrest by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents on the charge of Coercion and Enticement.
According to court documents, on August 12, 2019, HSI initiated a law enforcement operation designed to target and identity adult individuals seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with minors. Agents working online in an undercover capacity, created personas in online forums and applications designed to facilitate interactions between individuals. On August 15, 2019, Black initiated contact with an undercover agent on the application Grindr by sending a picture of his naked torso and another of his genitals. A dialogue ensured during which the undercover agent stated that he was 14. Later the defendant discussed the sexual activity that he wished to participate in with the undercover agent. A meet was set up for August 16, 2019, at which time Black was arrested.
Black is a wanted sex offender from Missouri and also has an outstanding parole violation warrant from Georgia.
Upon request of the Government, Black was ordered detained with a full Detention Hearing scheduled for August 21, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that an arrest warrant is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods Sponsor Camp DEFY: VI Youth Meet with the Legislature of the Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that approximately 50 V.I. youths are attending Camp DEFY (Drug Education for Youth) this week in St. Thomas with plans for Camp DEFY next week on St. Croix. Camp DEFY is supported by the United States Attorney’s Office through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative and through Weed and Seed. Additional funding is also provided through the PR/VI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) partnership. Camp DEFY trainers and facilitators are provided by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the Virgin Islands National Guard.
Camp DEFY has two phases, In Phase 1, youths attend a one-week residential camp. Over the course of the week, the participants learn important skills such as setting goals, avoiding violent conflicts, and refusing drugs offered by a friend. Camp DEFY uses a variety of activities to develop the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Students are taught in a classroom setting the following topics: substance abuse prevention; self-esteem; setting goals; developing healthy, positive relationships; conflict resolution; citizenship; gang awareness; de-glamorization and hygiene; nutrition, safety, and first aid. Every session of Camp DEFY is designed to foster positive values and a healthy drug-free lifestyle.
"Camp DEFY is a prime example of how federal and territorial law enforcement, community leaders, and concerned citizens are working together to provide recreational opportunities for young Virgin Islanders, delivered with a positive message of hope and empowerment. At Camp DEFY, our young people spend time with role models and caring adults, who encourage them to set goals, dream big, and resist the negative influences of gangs, drugs, and violence," U.S. Attorney Shappert said. "Camp DEFY is a vital part of the PSN prevention initiative in the Territory. While law enforcement and prosecutors work to take violent offenders off the streets, we also collaborate with members of this community who care deeply about the well-being of our children. Today’s trip to the Legislature in St. Thomas provided our young people with an opportunity to see democracy in action and to celebrate their commitment to a drug-free, gang-free future."
In particular, Shappert singled out Jaqueline Freeman, Director of the VIPD Crime Prevention Bureau and Chair of the USVI PSN Law Enforcement Planning Commission for her work in the organization of Campy DEFY. "Director Freeman does an amazing job for VIPD and this community," Shappert said. "We are grateful for her leadership and for the assistance provided by all of our PSN partners and Camp DEFY supporters."
Dominican Republic National Who Operated the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas, USVI Arrested for Crimes Related to Alien Smuggling and Prostitution SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands. Announced today that Yohanna Gonzalez-McFarlane, 38, of the Dominican Republic, was arrested yesterday and charged in a criminal complaint with one count of alien harboring for financial gain and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution.
According to court documents unsealed today, between at least December 2018 and August 2019, defendant Gonzalez-McFarlane operated the Underground Nightclub in St. Thomas. She recruited young foreign women and arranged to have them smuggled into the U.S. Virgin Islands to engage in prostitution while working at the bar. The defendant then housed the women at a residence on St. Thomas and required them to engage in commercial sex at the defendant’s nightclub to repay their smuggling debts. According to court documents, the defendant’s activities came to law enforcement’s attention when one of the women originally from Venezuela secretly reported the conditions of her treatment to her family via text messages and calls. The young woman’s family members in turn contacted the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). According to court documents, the young woman sent messages indicating that she was forced to engage in prostitution and was in fear of physical danger.
Court documents also indicate that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a recovery operation and rescued the young woman from the bar. An FBI agent posing as a bar patron, negotiated with defendant Gonzales-McFarlane to obtain a "date" with the young woman, away from the premises of the bar. As a result, the young woman was able to escape.
Court documents also describe threats allegedly made by the defendant and others at the bar to kill another one of the young foreign women forced to work there and to burn one of the women’s passports.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, and supported by Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards for the District of the Virgin Islands and Trial Attorney Mark Probasco and Special Litigation Counsel Rose Gibson for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Dominican National Arrested in U.S. Virgin Islands for Crimes Related to Alien Smuggling and Prostitution SchemeRead the Press Release
Yohanna Gonzalez-McFarlane, 38, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, was arrested on August 7, and charged in a criminal complaint with one count of alien harboring for financial gain and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution. The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands.
According to court documents that were unsealed today, between at least December 2018 and August 2019, the defendant recruited young foreign women and arranged to have them smuggled into the U.S. Virgin Islands. The defendant then housed the women at a residence on St. Thomas and required them to engage in commercial sex at the defendant’s nightclub to repay a smuggling debt. The case came to law enforcement’s attention when one of the women reported the conditions of her treatment to her family, who then called the Virgin Islands Police Department.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards for the District of the Virgin Islands and Trial Attorney Mark Probasco and Special Litigation Counsel Rose Gibson for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
St. Thomas Resident Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –Jeffrey Cole, 57, of St. Thomas, was sentenced yesterday on his conviction for failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Cole to six months incarceration, three years of supervised release and a Special Assessment of $100. Gomez also ordered Cole to perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court records, Cole was convicted for voyeurism in the State of Ohio in 2009. He moved to the Virgin Islands in 2018, and failed to register here.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Apprehended at St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport Pleads Guilty to Trafficking over 18 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Mikhail Munoz, 31, originally of St. Croix, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, on May 20, 2019, Munoz checked himself and a suitcase in for a flight bound from St. Thomas to Miami. When Munoz’s checked luggage passed through inspection with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it set off an alarm, leading to the discovery of 18 "brick like" items, each of which was wrapped in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and vacuum-sealed. Each of the brick-like bundles contained a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. Collectively, the bricks weighed approximately 19 kilograms.
This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, with a maximum of life; a term of supervised release of at least 5 years; and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2019.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the TSA, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
St. Croix ManWho Escaped from Golden Grove and Was Found in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico Sentenced for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Nathaniel Thomas, Jr., 30 of St. Croix, was sentenced Friday for escape from custody, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Thomas to 28 months of imprisonment consecutive to the federal sentence he is currently serving, and three years of supervised release. Judge Lewis also ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
On March 19, 2019, Thomas pleaded guilty to escape from custody. According to the plea agreement filed in court, on March 13, 2018, the defendant was convicted in March of 2018 of federal and local criminal charges, including felon in possession of a firearm; unauthorized possession of a firearm; and reckless endangerment in the first degree in the District Court of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Division. Upon his conviction, the District Court Judge remanded the defendant into custody pending sentencing.
The U.S. Marshal Service transported the defendant to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, where federal prisoners are detained pursuant to an agreement with the Attorney General of the United States. On March 15, 2018, two days after being convicted by a federal jury, the defendant escaped from the Golden Grove facility. Following an extensive manhunt by federal and territorial law enforcement, Thomas was located in Guayanilla, PR on April 7, 2018 and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft from the Woman’s Coalition of St. CroixRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Kira Lee Encarnacion, 41, of St. Croix, pled guilty on July 26, 2019, in District Court to one count of Federal Program Theft, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, from November 2014, through May 2015, Encarnacion was employed as a bookkeeper with the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (WCSC). As the bookkeeper, Encarnacion’s duties included issuing legitimate payments to vendors in support of the organization’s functions, using an accounting software program. However, during this period, she fraudulently caused 39 WCSC checks to be issued to herself, totaling $85,510. Encarnacion disguised the checks in the accounting software program as payments to legitimate vendors of WCSC. The defendant then deposited the checks into her personal bank account and used the funds to pay for personal matters.
WCSC receives in excess of $10,000 a year in federal grants and benefits, which gave rise to the federal prosecution.
This offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to 10 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release up to 3 years. Sentencing is set for November 27, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Final Defendant Convicted in June 2018 St. Croix Federal Jury Trial is Sentenced to 300 Months for Conspiracy and Attempted Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Anibal Vega-Arizmendi, age 29, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. Judge Lewis also sentenced Vega-Arizmendi to five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a fine of $2,000.000 and a special assessment of $300.00.
On June 26, 2018, a federal jury convicted Vega-Arizmendi along with five co-defendants on cocaine-related charges. Evidence at trial revealed that the organization planned the mid-sea retrieval of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy, January 2014 through March 2016. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed by the drug organization. Law enforcement efforts to interdict some of the the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. In October 2014, Vega-Arizmendi and others effected the mid-sea retrieval of 71 kilograms of cocaine. Between December 13 and 15, 2014, he assisted others in attempts to retrieve 30 kilograms of cocaine mid-sea. Witnessed testified that Vega-Arizmendi functioned as a boat operator. Between November 7, 2015 and November 12, 2015, he and others made several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve 87 kilograms of cocaine from mid-sea.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial, six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Of the six that were convicted on June 26, 2018, five have been sentenced and one is awaiting sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Who Caused a Semi-Automatic Pistol to Be Shipped to the Territory Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI –William Payne, 39, of St. Croix, pled guilty on July 24, 2019, in District Court to one federal count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2017, Payne and another individual traveled to Southern Oaks Gun & Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer, located in Orlando, Florida. Payne was present when the other individual purchased a KEL TEC PLR-16 Semi-Automatic Pistol.
On May 2, 2017, Payne caused the same firearm, two high-capacity magazines, and ammunition to be shipped by Tropical Shipping via seaborne container freight shipment from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to St. Croix, Virgin Islands. The firearm, high capacity magazines, and ammunition thus traveled in or affected interstate commerce.
On May 16, 2017, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted an inspection of an inbound Tropical Shipping freight container. Upon inspection of a pallet of commercial goods destined for a local St. Croix business, CBP officers located the KEL TEC PLR-16 Semi-Automatic Pistol, the two high-capacity magazines for the firearm, and 206 rounds of 5.56x45mm ammunition hidden amongst a larger shipment of items for commercial use. The box containing the firearm, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition bore a prior shipping label addressed to Payne at a Florida address.
On May 17, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations special agents and other federal special agents conducted a controlled delivery of the firearm, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition. Payne and the owner of the small business arrived at Tropical Shipping to receive the shipment. Payne was arrested after the pallet containing the KEL TEC PLR-16 Semi-automatic Pistol, high capacity magazines, and ammunition were loaded onto the pickup that was being used to transport the pallet from Tropical Shipping.
Payne was previously convicted of three felony offenses: in 2000, for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle; in 2001, for Resisting Officer with Violence, and in 2007, for Delivery of Cocaine, all in the Circuit Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, In and For Orange County, Florida.
This offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to 10 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2019.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Fifth Defendant Convicted in June 2018 by a St. Croix Federal Jury is Sentenced to 135 Months for Conspiracy and Attempted Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Anibal Vega-Arizmendi, age 29, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. Judge Lewis also sentenced Vega-Arizmendi to five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a fine of $2,000.000 and a special assessment of $300.00.
On June 26, 2018, a federal jury convicted Vega-Arizmendi along with five co-defendants on cocaine-related charges. Evidence at trial revealed that the organization planned the mid-sea retrieval of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy, January 2014 through March 2016. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed by the drug organization. Law enforcement efforts to interdict some of the the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. In October 2014, Vega-Arizmendi and others effected the mid-sea retrieval of 71 kilograms of cocaine. Between December 13 and 15, 2014, he assisted others in attempts to retrieve 30 kilograms of cocaine mid-sea. Witnessed testified that Vega-Arizmendi functioned as a boat operator. Between November 7, 2015 and November 12, 2015, he and others made several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve 87 kilograms of cocaine from mid-sea.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial, six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Of the six that were convicted on June 26, 2018, five have been sentenced and one is awaiting sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearm in a School ZoneRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Samuel Melendez age 43, of St. Croix plead guilty on July 23, 2019 in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone.
According to court documents, on October 8, 2018, Virgin Island Police Officers responded to the H & R Supermarket in Frederiksted after receiving a report concerning an individual brandishing a firearm. Melendez was located in the vicinity of the Frederiksted Vegetable Market in possession of a .380 operable firearm. Reportedly, officers discovered the weapon in Melendez’ waistband as they conducted a pat-down search. The firearm contained one chambered round of ammunition. Melendez did not have a license to possess the firearm. Upon further investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the location where Melendez was found in possession of the gun was within 1,000 feet of the St. Patrick’s Elementary School, a violation of federal law.
Melendez faces up to five years imprisonment for the offense, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. A sentencing date has been set for November 21, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Man of Murder for HireRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – After a six-day trial, a federal jury on Thursday found Delroy Thomas, Jr., 28, of St. Croix, guilty of murder for hire, attempted murder and attempted retaliation against a witness, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between March 9, 2015 to March 11, 2015, Thomas made a series of telephone calls, while in Golden Grove Correctional Facility, to another inmate. He solicited the inmate’s assistance to eliminate two witnesses in his pending Superior Court case. Thomas describe the location of the witnesses’ residence to the inmate and texted their photographs to him. He told the inmate he wanted them "off", he was dead serious, he would get the gun, this was eight months of thinking and that there were no ifs, ands, buts or changing of mind. Thomas discussed the price for the planned "hit" and directed a female to place $500.00 into a particular vehicle, intending for it would serve as a down payment. He also admitted that if the inmate did not carry out the hit he would get someone else.
Unbeknownst to Thomas, the inmate was a confidential informant who was working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA informant proceeded to record Thomas’ phone calls, which were played for the jury during the trial. One of the witnesses at trial identified Thomas’s voice on the recorded phone calls.
Following his arrest, Thomas told agents that he may have discussed eliminating witnesses in his case with other inmates when he was angry, but he denied that he had participated in any murder for hire plot. At his trial, Thomas testified that he did make the recorded statements but that he was merely "going along" with a scheme concocted by the inmate/informant who had threatened him into participating in the calls. Thomas testified that the calls were rehearsed and he simply followed the plan.
The Government, however, presented evidence of text messages Thomas sent to other individuals, before the phone calls, stating that he was planning a massacre, and that if the authorities did not let him out of prison, he would put a "hit" on a female victim and her mother.
On March 12, 2015, Bureau of Corrections officers searched Thomas’ prison cell and seized three cellular telephones and a knife from a case that was accessible from his cell.
Thomas faces up to 10 years in prison for the murder for hire conviction plus a maximum fine of $250,000; up to twenty-five years of incarceration for the attempted murder conviction; and up to five years for the attempted retaliation against a witness conviction plus a maximum fine of $1,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Gang Intelligence Search Team of the V.I. Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Ranger American Security Employee Found Guilty of Stealing $70,000 from Banco Popular ATMRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Clement Bougouneau, 52, of St. Thomas, was found guilty of bank burglary and larceny after a two-day jury trial in District Court, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to trial testimony, on September 4, 2017, shortly before Hurricane Irma made landfall, Bougouneau used his access and inside knowledge as a twelve-year Ranger American employee to steal $70,000 from the St. John Banco Popular de Puerto Rico ATM. Video tapes presented in the courtroom showed live footage of a person, identified as Bougouneau, removing cash from the ATM machine on September 4th. Another video showed Bougouneau’s subsequent interview with law enforcement, where he provided several different explanations of the events surrounding the September 4th heist.
As a result of his conviction, Bougouneau faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is set for November 21, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Virgin Islands Official Indicted for Embezzling Government FundsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Violet Anne Golden and Stephanie Barnes with a variety of offenses, including Conspiracy to Commit Theft from Programs Receiving Government Funds and Money Laundering.
According to the indictment, Golden, as chairperson of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, and Barnes, a contractor, used Commission funds for a variety of personal expenditures, including but not limited to trips to Walt Disney World, tickets to a Broadway production of Hamilton, and making a down payment for the purchase of a vehicle. The indictment also alleges that Golden, who had an annual salary of $105,000, failed to file timely tax returns for the 2014 – 2017 tax years.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General, and IRS-Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
A link to the indictment can be found HERE. An indictment is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands to Spearhead Disaster Fraud TrainingRead the Press Release
On Thursday, July 18, U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands Gretchen C.F. Shappert will kick off a two-day training session for HUD Community Development and Block Grant – Disaster Recovery grantees, sub-grantees and contractors, and law enforcement agencies.
The training is being hosted in conjunction with the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG). It will include presentations from staff from the Inspectors General of U.S. Department of Homeland Security and HUD. Representatives from HUD and the National Center for Disaster Fraud will also provide remarks.
The devastation impacted by Hurricanes Maria and Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands resulted in disaster aid from the federal government of more than $1.8 billion to date.
This training will highlight HUD’s disaster assistance program requirements, and risks, as well as, familiarize Virgin Islands’ grant personnel and members of the law enforcement community on issues related to disaster fraud investigations.
"The investigation and prosecution of government programs fraud and procurement fraud are priorities of this U.S. Attorney’s Office," Shappert said. "Taxpayers have every right to expect that fraudsters and scam artists will suffer the consequences of their criminal actions. We are grateful that HUD OIG has agreed to provide this valuable training in the USVI. This is a tremendous opportunity for prosecutors and law enforcement officers to study effective investigative techniques and to learn from one another."
"In developing these training forums, it is our objective to leverage the knowledge and expertise from many resources," said Lisa R. Gore, Special Agent in Charge for Disasters, HUD OIG. "It is our intent that these sessions offer jurisdictional specific awareness to staff on the ground and create the best learning opportunity available."
During the forum, attendees will hear speakers discuss:
- The National Center for Disaster Fraud longstanding expertise in disaster aid deception
- HUD’s CDBG-Disaster Recovery Program Life-cycle
- Develop an understanding of audit "control weaknesses" and key indicators of fraud risks
- The most common audit findings of disaster grantees
- Common fraud schemes in HUD disaster programs
- Issues related to the prosecution of disaster fraud investigations; and,
- Investigative case studies from HUD OIG, and DHS OIG
At the conclusion of the training, all attendees must attest to their awareness that grantees, sub-grantees, and contractors must adhere to the controls, standards, processes, corrective actions, and procedures as described in Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 570 governing U.S. Housing and Urban Development regulations concerning Community Development Block Grants.
If you suspect fraud in HUD’s Disaster Recovery programs, please email the HUD OIG at HOTLINE@hudoig,gov or contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at the number listed below.
Four South American Narcotic Smugglers Apprehended Off the Coast of Ecuador Charged in USVI Federal Court with Trafficking 1,535 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Freddy Montano Paz, 29, Calixto Tumbaco, 41, Mariano Abregon, 42, and Hector Hernandez Saucedo, 48, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for arraignment and detention hearings on charges of Conspiracy to Possess and Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. At the conclusion of the hearings, Magistrate Miller ordered all four defendant detained pending trial.
The Information alleges that Montano Paz, Tumbaco, Abregon and Hernandez Saucedo were all on board a semi-submercible vessel that was intercepted by the United States Coast Guard Hamilton (USCG) cutter while on routine patrol. The USCG crew first sighted the semi-submercible vessel on May 10, 2019, approximately 250 nautical miles northwest of Esmeraldes, Ecuador. The vessel did not display any indicia indicating its nationality. After being detected, the four occupants—two Columbian nationals, one Ecuadorian national, and oneMexican national--began tossing the bales of suspected narcotics overboard their vessel. The USCG disabled the semi-submercible vessel, and successfully seized 40 bales of suspected narcotics, including bales that were tossed overboard. The 40 recovered bales contained approximately 1,535 kilograms of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.
This case is being investigated by the USCG and the Drug Enforcement Agency, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an information is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Marijuana at Henry E. Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Kieantia Thomas-Okeke, 38, of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty on June 24, 2019, in District Court to one federal count of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to 5 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Sentencing is set for October 23, 2019.
According to court documents, on March 5, 2018, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted on Thomas-Okeke after she exited inbound American Airlines flight #2317 from Miami, Florida, at the Henry E. Rohlsen airport in St. Croix. The defendant was then handcuffed and escorted to the designated secondary inspection room. There CBP officers searched the defendant along with her carry-on suitcase. Inside the carry-on suitcase, a green leafy substance inside plastic wrapped brick shaped packages was discovered along with stacks of cash. The substance field-tested positive for marijuana. The marijuana weighed 9.11 kilograms and the confiscated currency totaled $39,980. Travel records for the defendant showed that she was traveling from Dallas, TX, with a layover in Miami and had planned to return to Dallas, TX, the next day. When asked about her compensation for traveling to St. Croix with the drugs and cash, the defendant advised that her flight to St. Croix was paid for and she was going to receive $1,500 when she returned to Dallas, TX.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. The DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami analyzed the marijuana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Cocaine from the Ottley Post Office in St. Thomas Cocaine from the Ottley Post Office in St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Kemo Riley, 42, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for preliminary and detention hearings after federal agents arrested him on Friday for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Following the hearings, Judge Miller released Riley on a $5,000 bond with conditions requiring location monitoring and home confinement outside of work.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in San Juan, PR seized a parcel with approximately 515.4 grams of cocaine concealed in cellophane candy bags. The parcel was destined for Dunkirk, New York, and had been mailed from the Ottley Post Office in St. Thomas that same day. The parcel also contained a greeting card and party plates, as well as a receipt reflecting the purchase of the same from Kmart in St. Thomas. The parcel was sent back to the sender.
Surveillance video obtained from the Ottley Post Office captured a black male wearing a white shirt, black jacket, and black hat mailing the parcel. The same man appeared to be captured on Kmart surveillance video approximately one hour earlier, purchasing the items found inside the parcel with the cocaine.
The parcel was made available for pick up by the sender on June 13, 2019. The next day, Riley drove an individual to the Ottley Post Office who presented the tracking number for the parcel while Riley waited for him outside in the car. Federal agents recognized Riley to be the same man captured on surveillance video purchasing the party supplies and mailing the parcel. During an interview with agents, Riley admitted that he had, in fact, purchased those items and mailed the parcel.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Two Men Indicted for Money-Laundering and Bulk Cash Smuggling of Funds from the British Virgin Islands and for Making False Statements to Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal Grand Jury returned an indictment against individuals including Akil Erickson, 26, of Orlando, Florida and Mikiel Robin, 21, of the British Virgin Islands, charging them with international money-laundering and bulk cash smuggling, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The indictment also alleges that each defendant made false statements to Customs and Border Protection officers.
According to the indictment, in or about October of 2018, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy with other persons to transport United States currency from the British Virgin Islands to the United States while knowingly avoiding U.S. currency reporting requirements for reporting bulk cash exceeding $10,000. The indictment alleges that the cash was proceeds from the illegal sale of drugs and that the defendants were aware of the money’s origin. According to the indictment, each defendant falsely stated that he was not carrying in excess of $10,000 from the British Virgin Islands to the United States. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation of $138,000.
Robin and Akil Erickson appeared for arraignment on June 13, 2019, before Federal Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, the other two defendant, who remain unidentified at this moment, remain at large. Trial is scheduled for July 29, 2019.
Defendants face up to twenty years imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000 for money-laundering; up to five years imprisonment for each count of bulk cash smuggling; and up to five years imprisonment for making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Tortola Man Involved in St. Thomas Motorcycle Accident Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ashan Westcott, 28, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before District Judge Curtis Gomez to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement, on March 2, 2019, the Virgin Islands Police Department (“VIPD”) responded to a motorcycle and vehicle accident on Turpentine Run Road, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Westcott, who was injured in the accident, was identified as the driver of the motorcycle. In response to an EMT’s request to locate the defendant’s ID, a VIPD officer looked in a backpack Westcott had been wearing at the time of the accident. While looking for the ID, the officer found a loaded Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun in Westcott’s backpack.
Westcott is a citizen of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and has a passport issued by the United Kingdom. Westcott is not a citizen or national of the United States and, when found on March 2, 2019, had not applied for status in the United States.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Mexican Man Sentenced for False Claim to United States CitizenshipRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced today Edgar Ramirez, 36, a citizen of Mexico, to the time he has served in custody since March 11, 2019, and one year of supervised release, for falsely claiming United States citizenship, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Ramirez to pay a special assessment of $100.
On March 11, 2019, Ramirez pleaded guilty to falsely claiming United States citizenship to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. According to court documents, on December 20, 2018, Ramirez presented to officers a false Pennsylvania identification card in the name of Rodolfo Salinas. After questioning, Ramirez admitted that he was not a United States citizen but instead was born in Mexico and that he paid $2,000 to cross the border into the United States in 2001.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
Dominican and Puerto Rican Men Arrested for Immigration Offenses, Following Apprehension in USVI Territorial WatersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Eduardo Javier Reyes of the Dominican Republic and Arturo Serrano Arizmendi of Puerto Rico appeared Monday, June 10th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for an initial appearance after their arrest on Saturday for immigration related offenses, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court records, Customs and Border Protection interdicted a vessel traveling from St. Thomas towards Savannah Islands on Friday evening without navigational lights. On board the vessel were the captain, Arturo Serrano Arizmendi, and the five illegal aliens, identified as Eduardo J. Reyes, Elaine de Moura, Viener Dos Santos, Cairo G. Ferreira, and Ronaldo Alves. Arizmendi was charged with transporting illegal aliens; Reyes and de Moura with entering the United States without inspection; and Santos, Ferreira and Alves with reentering the United States after prior deportations.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Thomas Man Arrested for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Amijah Charles, 36, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for a preliminary and detention hearing after his arrest on Friday by federal agents for Assaulting and threatening Federal officers, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge released Charles on bond following a preliminary and detention hearing.
According to court records, the federal agents were in the area of Mariendahl conducting official business when Charles approached their vehicle and began pounding on the window. Agents exited the vehicle attempting to place Charles under arrest when he resisted, striking and fighting with the agents.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Twenty Pounds of Marijuana at Henry E. Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Dequan Forde, 21, of St. Croix, pled guilty on June 6, 2019, in District Court to one federal count of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of up to 5 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Sentencing is set for October 9, 2019.
According to court documents, on January 31, 2018, the defendant traveled on American Airlines flight #2317 from Miami, Florida, to St. Croix. Upon his landing at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, an x-ray examination of Forde’s luggage displayed unusual packaging. A physical examination of the luggage revealed a laundry bag that contained two vacuumed-sealed bags containing suspected marijuana. The luggage was subsequently placed on the baggage carousel where the defendant retrieved it. The total gross weight of the marijuana was approximately 9.40 kilograms, or approximately 20 pounds.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. The marijuana was analyzed by the DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Virgin Islands’ Resident Charged in Federal Court with Possessing a Glock Machine GunRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Karime Williams, 36, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for a preliminary and detention hearing after his arrest on May 30, 2019, by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. At the conclusion of the hearing, Magistrate Miller ordered Williams detained pending trial.
According to court records, on May 11, 2019, Virgin Islands Police Department officers operating in the vicinity of the Cyril E. King Airport observed a vehicle traveling west on the airport road with neither a front license plate nor headlights. Officers stopped the vehicle and ordered the two occupants to exit the vehicle. While conducting a pat-down for officer safety, the officers discovered a firearm tucked into the defendant’s waistband. The firearm was a Glock Model 23 pistol equipped with a "Glock Switch" which converted the handgun into an automatic weapon. VIPD officers later determined that the defendant had two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and unauthorized weapons possession.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Fugitive Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport on Bank Fraud and Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Carlos Iglesias, alias "Abraham Reyes", 39, was detained today by Magistrate Ruth Miller, and committed to the custody of the United States Marshals pending his removal to the District of Rhode Island for bank fraud and identity theft charges, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
On Thursday, May 30, 2019, Iglesias was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigation as he attempted to board a JetBlue flight to New York’s JFK International Airport. Iglesias is wanted in Rhode Island on charges stemming from a 2009 bank fraud conspiracy scheme. According to the complaint, on December 2, 2009 and December 3, 2009, Iglesias and his co-defendant entered Bank of America in Pawtucket, RI and cashed or attempted to cash fraudulent Bank of America cashier's checks. At Bank of America, Iglesias presented a fake United States passport in the name of "Abraham Reyes", with his photograph in it. Iglesias opened a checking account with Bank of America in the name of "Abraham Reyes", then cashed a fraudulent cashier's check in the amount of $65,000 against the account, using the fake passport as identification. Because the branch bank had insufficient funds on hand to honor the cashier's check, Bank of America gave Iglesias two cashier's checks in the amounts of $19,000 and $27,000, both of which Iglesias cashed and kept $19,000 for himself. On a third occasion, Iglesias attempted to cash another fraudulent cashier's check in the amount of $53,000, payable to "Abraham Reyes". Bank of America, upon discovering the check cashing scheme, reported the incidents to the authorities.
According to court records, Iglesias was later interviewed by the Rhode Island State Police and admitted that on three occasions he cashed or attempted to cash fraudulent cashier’s checks at three or four Bank of America branches. Iglesias also told the authorities that he had traveled to Rhode Island from New York to visit a friend who provided him with the fake passport, and offered him $20,000 - $30,000 as payment for cashing the fraudulent checks.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigation, and is being prosecuted by the Rhode Islands United States Attorney’s Office, and Delia L. Smith, Assistant United States Attorney, Virgin Islands District.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine at Henry E. Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Don-Luke George, 24, of St. Croix, pled guilty on May 23, 2019, in District Court to one count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This federal offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration of 5 to 40 years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release for at least 4 years. Sentencing is set for September 25, 2019.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2018, Don-Luke George, along with a co-defendant, conspired to bring 2010 grams of cocaine (2.01 kilograms) into the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport with the intent to transport the cocaine to Miami via American Airlines flight #2227. Specifically, George, who was employed at the airport, smuggled four bricks of cocaine into the passenger waiting area of the airport, and delivered them to the co-defendant in the men’s restroom. The co-defendant was a passenger on the outgoing American Airlines flight, but was intercepted with the cocaine prior to boarding his flight by Customs and Border Protection officers.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. The cocaine was analyzed by the DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Former FEMA Employee Charged with Stealing Government PropertyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Duane Woods, Jr. has been indicted for Receiving Stolen Government Property and Grand Larceny. According to the indictment, Woods, who worked for FEMA at the time, converted FEMA property to his own use, including a generator, phones, monitors, and iPads.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-OIG and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Virgin Islands Barber Charged with Trafficking in Stolen Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Raphi Joseph has been arrested on a complaint charging him with Transportation of Stolen Goods.
According to court documents unsealed today, the United States Postal Inspection Service was previously alerted that an unknown person had logged into a victim’s cell-phone account without the victim’s permission. The perpetrator then ordered an iPhone to be mailed to the Virgin Islands. Raphi Joseph is alleged to have inquired about the package at the post office in St. Thomas, VI, and further investigation identified more than 20 additional fraudulently-obtained cell phones being sent to Joseph in the U.S. Virgin Islands in various packages.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport Charged with Trafficking Approximately 19 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Mikhail Munoz, 31, originally of St. Croix, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Munoz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Tuesday and, after a detention hearing on Wednesday, Judge Miller ordered Munoz detained pending trial.
The federal complaint alleges that on May 20, 2019, Munoz checked himself and a suitcase in for a flight bound from St. Thomas to Miami. When Munoz’s checked luggage passed through inspection with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it set off an alarm, leading to the discovery of 18 "brick like" items, each of which was wrapped in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and vacuum-sealed. Each of the brick-like bundles contained a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. Collectively, the bricks weighed approximately 19 kilograms.
If convicted, Munoz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, with a maximum of life.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with assistance from the Transportation Security Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
U.S. Virgins Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Training for Caribbean Prosecutors and AgentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that her office will be hosting a multi-district training this week, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of transnational organized drug trafficking crime as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. "The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply", Shappert said. "We welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss new strategies and techniques to apprehend and prosecute the large-scale drug organizations that create misery and violence in our communities."
This week’s training at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Thomas will include a presentation by the Director of OCDETF, Adam W. Cohen. Cohen, who has extensive experience prosecuting narcotics and violent crime, will provide an update on recent trends and best practices. Federal prosecutors and agents from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands will also discuss law enforcement issues unique to the Caribbean region.
OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack and reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the United States and to diminish the violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. Since OCDETF’s inception, tens of thousands of arrests have been made, and hundreds of tons of narcotics and billions in currency, real property, and conveyances have been seized.
"The OCDETF program has been described as the Swiss army knife of narcotics interdiction. OCDETF agents and prosecutors are uniquely trained and qualified to use modern technology, federal databases, human intelligence, and old-fashioned police work, in order to get the job done," said Shappert. "We are proud to host this important training in the USVI."
Four South American Narcotic Smugglers Charged with Trafficking 1,535 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Freddy Montano Paz, 29, Calixto Tumbaco, 41, Mariano Abregon, 42, and Hector Hernandez, 48, were charged with Conspiracy to Possess and Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
The complaint alleges that Montano Paz, Tumbaco, Abregon and Hernandez were all on board a go-fast style vessel that was intercepted by a United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter while on routine patrol. The USCG first sighted the go-fast vessel on May 10, 2019, at approximately 250 nautical miles northwest of Esmeraldes, Ecuador. The vessel did not have any display indicating its nationality. After being detected, the occupants, which consisted of two Columbian nationals, one Ecuadorian national, and one Mexican national, began tossing the bales of suspected narcotics overboard their vessel. The USCG disabled the go-fast vessel, and upon boarding the vessel, successfully seized 40 bales of suspected narcotics, including the bales that were tossed overboard. The 40 recovered bales contained approximately 1,535 kilograms of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.
This case is being investigated by the USCG and the Drug Enforcement Agency, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Robert Klyvert, 47, of St. Croix, was sentenced Monday for distribution of crack cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Visiting Judge Anne E. Thompson sentenced Klyvert to 60 months and five years of supervised release. Judge Thompson also ordered him to pay a fine of $1,000 and a $100 special assessment.
On January 29, 2019, Klyvert pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine. According to his plea agreement Klyvert, aka “Family”, told a confidential human source (CHS) in September of 2016 that he wanted to begin supplying cocaine to the CHS directly, because one of Klyvert’s drug associates was now dead. In a series of phone calls and text messages over the next few months, Klyvert advised the CHS that he had a kilogram of cocaine in Florida, that he would contact the CHS once the cocaine arrived in the United States. Klyvert instructed the CHS that he would need to travel to Florida to obtain the cocaine, which would be “fronted” to the CHS, so that the CHS would have about a week to sell it and pay $25,000 back to the defendant.
According to court documents, Klyvert informed the CHS that the cocaine wasn’t good for “the nose” and that it was only good for converting into crack cocaine. Klyvert also told the CHS that if he could sell this kilogram quickly, Klyvert’s supplier would ship another kilogram to the United States on January 2, 2017 and the CHS could buy that as well.
On December 27, 2016, Klyvert texted the CHS the phone number for the drug supplier with whom the CHS was to meet in Orlando to obtain the cocaine. Three days later, the CHS received a text from the contact number supplied by Klyvert providing the address where the CHS was to pick up the drugs. The address provided was the address of record for Nolly King, Jr., who was subsequently charged, pled guilty, and was sentenced to prison last week in federal court.
The CHS obtained the cocaine from King and on December 31, 2016, Klyvert texted the CHS advising the CHS that he only needed to pay $22,000 for the cocaine as the amount of cocaine was approximately 4 ounces short of a full kilo, so the CHS need pay the $25,000 previously agreed upon price. Laboratory tests confirmed that the substance received by the CHS on December 30, 2016 from King was cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride with a net weight of 884.18 grams.
As a result of his drug dealing described in court documents, Klyvert was indicted by the federal grand jury in the District of the Virgin Islands on April 13, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Melissa Ortiz.
Puerto Rican Coconspirator in Transnational Drug Organization Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Anne E. Thompson, on May 6, 2019, sentenced Jean Cruz-Albert, 28, of Puerto Rico, to a mandatory 10 years in prison for attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Thompson also sentenced Cruz-Albert to four years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a fine of $500.00 and a special assessment of $100.00.
Cruz-Albert pled guilty to the attempted possession of cocaine on February 26, 2017. Court records reveal that between November 9, 2015 and November 12, 2015, Cruz-Albert and others in a multi-drug trafficking organization made three boat trips from St. Croix in attempt to effect a mid-sea retrieval of cocaine. They conspired to bring drugs to St. Croix and transfer the drugs to Puerto Rico.
On December 13th and 14th of 2014, Cruz-Albert and others successfully effected the mid-sea retrieval of 30 kilograms of cocaine. On or about May 14, 2015, Cruz-Albert and others made another attempt to effect the mid-sea retrieval of drugs by boat. Finally, on November 13, 2015, members of the conspiracy successfully completed another mid-sea retrieval of the cocaine and were subsequently apprehended at Knight’s Bay in St. Croix. Law enforcement agents seized 87 kilograms of cocaine and the conspirators were apprehended.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.