District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Lucia Alien Sentenced for Improper Entry by an AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Isidore Isidore, 61, of St. Lucia, was sentenced today for Improper Entry by an Alien, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller sentenced Isidore to 4.5 months’ imprisonment. Judge Miller ordered Isidore to pay a $10 special assessment. An immigration detainer was placed on Isidore, and his prior order of removal will be reinstated. Isidore will be taken into custody of the Department of Homeland Security and removed to St. Lucia.
According to court documents, Customs and Border Protection agents encountered Isidore on a private vessel in St. John on April 28, 2018. On August 20, 2018, Isidore pleaded guilty to improper entry by an alien. Court documents showed that Isidore had been removed from the United States and was ordered not to reenter the United States without permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Isidore improperly entered the United States by failing to appear at a designated port of entry and failing to have permission to enter the United States.
The case was investigated by Home Land Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David White.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Possession of 9 mm Handgun with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Dale Ritter, 53, of St. Croix, was sentenced on September 13, 2018, in District Count on one federal count of Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, and one local count of Illegal Use of Utility Equipment, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Ritter to a prison sentence of twelve months and one day, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and imposed a $100 special assessment on the Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number count. Additionally, Ritter was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine on the Illegal Use of Utility Equipment count.
Ritter previously pled guilty to the charges on March 23, 2018.
According to court documents, on July 21, 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a search warrant at Ritter’s residence in Frederiksted, St. Croix. During the execution of this search warrant, DEA agents located a Taurus Millennium 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number. This firearm was determined to be operable and had been shipped in interstate commerce. Additionally, agents located unauthorized electric wires running from a pole owned by WAPA that provided electricity to Ritter’s residence and a marijuana grow room.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Task Force Officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
Dominican Republic Nationals Indicted for Illegally Reentering into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal Grand Jury today returned separate indictments against Ezequiel Rivera Gomez aka Francisco Mejia, 44, and Luis Miguel Recio Fernandez, 29, both Dominican Republic nationals, alleging that they illegally reentered the United States after having been previously deported, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. Both men remain in federal custody pending their individual trials.
The indictment against Gomez alleges that he was previously removed from the United States on or about March 1, 2016, after having been convicted of a drug trafficking offense. The indictment against Fernandez alleges that on or about July 20, 2012, he too was previously removed from the United States after committed a drug trafficking offense.
Under federal law, both men face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
These cases are being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Bureau of Corrections Detainees Indicted for having Illegal Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal Grand Jury today returned three separate indictments against K’Moi Corraspe, 24, Michael Hendrickson, 27, and Gamba Potter, 33, each for allegedly possessing illegal contraband in prison, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. All three men remain in custody at the Bureau of Corrections where they await trial on unrelated local charges.
The indictment against Corraspe charges him with possessing a cell phone, a screwdriver and a cigarette lighter while detained at the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections on St. Thomas. Hendrickson’s and Potter’s indictments allege that each possessed cell phones while they were detained at the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections on St. Thomas.
Under federal law, Corraspe faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Potter and Hendrickson each face one year in prison with fines of $250,000.
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
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections are investigating these cases. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 71 Months for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Rehelio Trant, 39, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today in District Court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Trant to 71 months incarceration which will be consecutive to any other sentence the defendant may serve. In addition, Judge Gomez ordered that Trant be placed on three years supervised release, complete 300 hours of community service, and pay a $100 special assessment and a $2,000 fine.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on October 16, 2017, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) received a report from an individual that Trant brandished a firearm after a verbal confrontation with that individual. Trant had a prior conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and firearms are not manufactured in the Virgin Islands.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Responsible for Frederiksted Grow Operation Pleads Guilty to Manufacture of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Tuesday, September 11, 2018, Roy Christian, 63, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr., to manufacture of marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about March 30, 2017, agents and officers of the DEA St. Croix Office executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Frederiksted. Over 313 marijuana plants were seized growing in pots and in different stages of growth. A large quantity of processed marijuana and U.S. currency were also found. Defendant later admitted that he grew and sold marijuana. Laboratory analysis confirmed the plants were marijuana.
Christian faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for January 10, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention RoundtableRead the Press Release
Thursday, September 13th | 2:00-4:00 PM
Ron De Lugo Federal Building
5500 Veterans DriveCharlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
This human trafficking roundtable will gather federal, state, and local law enforcement,
stakeholders, and advocates for a robust discussion on the progress that has been made to combat
human trafficking. The conversation will focus on identifying the gaps and needs that remain as
well as potential solutions for a path forward.
Roundtable Participants Include
The Department of Homeland Security’s Blue CampaignICE Homeland Security Investigations USVI Field
Office The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Office of the U.S. Attorney
*Other speakers are in the process of being confirmed*
For more information, contact:
Blue Campaign | [email protected]
Human Trafficking Awareness Event, St. Thomas, USVIRead the Press Release
What: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, will be hosting a one-day human trafficking training. Topics will include:
o Human Trafficking Overview
o Encountering Victims of Crime
o Blue Campaign
Trainers will be: Scott Santoro, FLETC Sr. Training Advisor & Crystal Gregory, HSI Forensic Interview Specialist
When: Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Where: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ron de Lugo Federal Building & Courthouse, 5500 Veterans Dr., Suite 260
Who should attend: Open to anyone who wants to learn more about Human Trafficking and the DHS Blue Campaign.
RSVP: Antoinette James, DOJ, Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, [email protected]
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Resisting a Park Ranger at Fort ChristiansvaernRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Uriah Gaston, 36, of St. Croix, was sentenced on September 5, 2018, in District Court on one count of Resisting a Federal Officer, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, Jr., sentenced Gaston to 90 days of jail time with credit for time served and ordered Gaston to complete a mental and drug treatment program at The Village - Sion Hill Therapeutic Community Program.
Gaston had previously pled guilty to the charge on June 29, 2018.
According to court documents, on January 2, 2018, Gaston created a disturbance at Fort Christiansvaern, at the Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix. When Park Ranger Gabriel Laurencin intervened and attempted to identify Gaston, he produced false identification. After being informed that he was going to be frisked for officer safety, Gaston then fled into the Gallows Bay Harbor, ignoring several commands to stop. He again ignored multiple commands to return to shore. Gaston was subsequently returned to shore on the side of a bystander’s dingy and was placed under arrest at that time.
The case was investigated by the United States National Park Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
St. Croix Shooter and Convicted Felon Sentenced to Twenty-Three Years for Gun-Related ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on August 31, 2018, sentenced Nathaniel Thomas, Jr. to eight years imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon, fifteen years imprisonment for unauthorized possession of a firearm, and five years imprisonment for reckless endangerment, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The firearm sentences were imposed consecutively and the reckless endangerment sentence was imposed concurrently with the others. Judge Lewis also ordered Thomas to pay a fine of $2,000.00 and a special assessment of $100.00.
On March 13, 2018, a federal jury convicted Thomas after a two-day trial. According to the evidence presented at trial, Thomas drove a vehicle into the Gas For Less Service Station on St. Croix in the early morning hours of May 15, 2016. He was followed by individuals in a Ford Explorer. Thomas stopped his car, came out and hid between nearby vehicles as the Explorer reversed direction. At this point shots were being discharged. When the Explorer started to leave the service station, Thomas emerged and chased the Explorer on foot while discharging shots in the direction of the Explorer. He subsequently returned to his vehicle and left the scene. Individuals in the area ran for cover and hid during the shooting. Over fifty spent shell casings were recovered from the crime scene, many of which were on the nearby Queen Mary Highway. The Explorer collided with two vehicles and came to rest nearby. Bullet holes were discovered in the windshield, on the driver and passenger sides, and at the rear of the Explorer. Thomas was not authorized to possess a firearm and had previously been convicted of a felony offense.
Thomas faces additional federal charges stemming from his alleged escape on March 15, 2018 from the Golden Grove Correctional Facility, following his conviction two days earlier for the May 2016 shooting episode in St. Croix. Federal law enforcement agents located Thomas on April 7, 2018 in Puerto Rico.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
Recognizing, Investigating and Prosecuting Human Trafficking: The Blue Campaign Comes to the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo announce the upcoming Blue Campaign for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Blue Campaign will focus on raising public awareness about human trafficking and will offer valuable training and information for law enforcement and the public.
Human trafficking is a serious crime that frequently goes undetected and unreported. To address this issue, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations are partnering to bring DHS’ highly successful Blue Campaign to the U.S. Virgin Islands with awareness events Sept. 7 and 8 in St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively, followed by a Human Trafficking Prevention Roundtable in St. Thomas Sept. 13. These events are open to the public and community participation is encouraged. Information about the awareness events and the roundtable are attached. Trainings for federal and territorial law enforcement will be conducted Sept. 6 in St. Croix and Sept. 10 in St. Thomas.
“Human trafficking is an especially pernicious and serious crime, because the perpetrators of human trafficking prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Shappert. “We are deeply grateful to our DHS partners for putting the spotlight on this issue and for providing valuable resources that will enable us to address human trafficking in the Territory.”
“HSI as an agency is first and foremost about the people it is here to protect and serve, therefore identifying and assisting victims is paramount. As a result, HSI employs a victim-centered approach, where equal value is placed on the identification and stabilization of victims, as well as the investigation and prosecution of traffickers,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of HSI in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world today and occurs when a person is recruited, harbored, obtained or exported through force, fraud or coercion for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt bondage and other methods of slavery,” added Arvelo.
The Blue Campaign is the DHS initiative designed to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit trafficking victims to justice. Through the Blue Campaign, DHS raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspicious activity. The Blue Campaign also offers training to law enforcement and community members in order to increase detection and prevention of human trafficking, protect victims and to prosecute the traffickers. To view all available Blue Campaign resources, please visit the resources page. For more information on the Blue Campaign, click here.
Human Trafficking Awareness Event St. Croix, USVIRead the Press Release
What: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, will be hosting a one-day human trafficking training. Topics will include:
o Human Trafficking Overview
o Encountering Victims of Crime
o Blue Campaign
Trainers will be: Scott Santoro, FLETC Sr. Training Advisor & Crystal Gregory, HSI Forensic Interview Specialist
When: Friday, September 7, 2018, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Virgin Islands Port Authority Conference Room, Henry Rohlsen International Airport
Who should attend: Open to anyone who wants to learn more about Human Trafficking and the DHS Blue Campaign.
RSVP: Antoinette James, DOJ, Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, [email protected]
Apprehended in an Internet “Sting” Operation, St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement for Illegal Sexual Activity Involving Internet PostingsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, August 30, 2018, Josue Navarro, 36, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr., to attempted coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about June 23, 2017 to June 25, 2017, law enforcement officers operating in an undercover capacity created and posted ads online. The post was captioned "home 4 the summer, looking fun in the sun NSA." The ad was posted by a law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old female named "Niema."
On June 24, 2017 at 8:43 p.m., "Niema" asked the defendant if he brought something "cause I don’t wanna get pregnant, my mother will kill me," to which the defendant responded "yes." At 9:03 "Niema" told the defendant she was 14. At 9:18 p.m., the defendant said "[L]emme come get you n we go get whatever it is u want."
At 11:02 the defendant texted the following to "Niema" and in highly graphic language offered suggestions as to methods and means for sexual penetration which he offered to provide to "Niema."
On June 25, 2017, at 1:19 p.m., the defendant texted "Niema," asking to engage in other sex acts involving carnal knowledge. At 4:35 p.m., the defendant told "Niema" "[L]et me come pick you up." The defendant was to meet with "Niema" at an arranged location in St. Croix and was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Navarro faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for January 2, 2019.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Second Dominican Republic National Apprehended at the Red Hook Ferry Dock Appears in Federal Court on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Luis Miguel Recio Fernandez, 29, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being arrested and charged with illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge detained Fernandez pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for August 31, 2018.
According to court documents, Customs and Border Protection officers encountered Fernandez at the Red Hook dock where he arrived by ferry boat from St. John. He was previously removed from the United States on August 23, 2012, after having been convicted of a controlled substance offense.
Under federal law Fernandez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that 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.
Dominican Republic National Apprehended at the Red Hook Ferry Dock Appears in Federal Court on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ezequiel Rivera Gomez aka Francisco Mejia, 48, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being arrested and charged with illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge detained Gomez pending preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for August 31, 2018.
According to court documents, Customs and Border Protection officers encountered Gomez at the Red Hook dock where he arrived by ferry boat from St. John. He was previously removed from the United States on March 1, 2016, after having been convicted of a controlled substance offense.
Under federal law Fernandez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that 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.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Dexter Harley, 32, of Tortola, and Jose Squiabro, 44, of St. Thomas, were sentenced for their roles in connection with a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced.
On August 23, 2018, District Court Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Harley to 36 months in prison and on August 24, 2018, Judge Gomez sentenced Squiabro to 51 months in prison. Both Harley and Squiabro were sentenced to four years of supervised release following their period of incarceration. In addition, Judge Gomez ordered Harley and Squiabro to each pay a $100 special assessment and perform 200 hours of community service.
On April 23 and 25, 2018, Harley and Squiabro, respectively, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine. According to the plea agreements filed with the court, Harley and Squiabro conspired with each other between December 15, 2015 and February 9, 2016 to sell one kilogram of cocaine to another individual.
This case was a result of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Tommy Ramirez, 29, of the Dominican Republic, and Ramon Clavel, 55 of Haiti, were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced.
On August 23, 2018, United States District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced defendant Tommy Ramirez to 38 months imprisonment. Judge Gomez sentenced defendant Ramon Clavel to 36 months of imprisonment. Each defendant was also ordered to be placed on four years of supervised release upon their discharge from prison. In addition, Judge Gomez ordered Ramirez and Clavel to each pay a $100 special assessment and perform 200 hours of community service.
On April 18, 2018, Ramirez and Clavel pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine. According to the plea agreement filed with the Court, on February 12, 2018, Ramirez instructed Clavel to present himself at the Emancipation Gardens post office to claim a package containing a white powdery substance later identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
This case was a result of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Services (USPIS), and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Dominican Republic National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Gustavo Adolfo Jimenez Polanco, 30, a Dominican Republic National, was sentenced today in district court for illegally re-entering the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Polanco to 12 months and one day incarceration, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, Polanco appeared at the Cyril E. King Airport on February 10th and was questioned regarding a Florida Driver’s License that he presented to the primary inspector at the Customs and Border Protection check point. The primary inspector referred him to secondary inspection where it was determined Polanco was a Dominican Republic National previously deported from the United States on July 1, 2014.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Two Additional Venezuelan Nationals Plead Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Following Apprehension of a Go-Fast Vessel Carrying Multiple Kilos of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Felix Gomez, age 38, and Rosauro Morao, age 43, of Venezuela, both pled guilty on August 22, 2018, in District Court to one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This federal offense carries a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Sentencing is set for December 21, 2018.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2017, at approximately 7:50 pm, a patrol aircraft associated with the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South located a northbound go-fast vessel (GFV) approximately 105 nautical miles west of Martinique traveling at a speed of 25 knots. The vessel was located in a known drug trafficking route. It had five outboard engines and contained multiple fuel barrels and suspicious packages visible on deck. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley was directed to intercept the vessel. Upon arrival, the crew of the GFV were observed tossing the suspicious packages and fuel barrels overboard. Ultimately, the crew of the Cutter Donald Horsley recovered 8 bound packages, which contained approximately 162 kilograms (357 pounds) of marijuana. The defendants were two of 7 Venezuelan national crew onboard the GFV. Defendant Gomez was observed to be the operator of the boat.
Co-defendant Juan Rodriguez previously entered a guilty plea on August 13, 2018, and co-defendants Jesus Garcia and Jhoan Gomez entered a guilty plea on August 15, 2018.
The Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
Former St. John Resident Sentenced for Committing Postal FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shaquan Brodie, 21, formerly of St. John, was sentenced today on an information that charged him with making fraudulent insurance claims against the United States Postal Service, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller sentenced Brodie to 3 years probation, and 6 months of home detention. Magistrate Miller also ordered Brodie to perform 80 hours of community service and pay $14,227.01 in restitution to the postal service.
According to court documents, Brodie filed 201 fraudulent claims for insurance against the postal service totaling in excess of $47,000. Brodie represented to the postal service that the items were either lost, stolen or damaged when he knew that his claims were false. The postal service paid Brodie $14,227.01 on his fraudulent claims.
This case was investigated by the USPS-Office of Inspector General and the US Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Second St. Croix Woman Pleads Guilty in Multi-Defendant Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Lynell Hughes, 35, of St. Croix, pled guilty on August 17, 2018, in District Court to conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, from January 2011 to July 2012, Hughes and others participated in a scheme to steal money from the United States treasury by fraudulently obtaining federal income tax refunds. The scheme involved the acquisition of personal identifying information used to electronically file falsified tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2011. Hughes and her co-conspirators filed tax returns in individuals’ true names and actual social security numbers and dates of birth but falsified the individuals’ income earned, tax withholding amounts, credits, and other information, and thereby claimed refunds to which they were not entitled. Hughes and her co-conspirators designated bank accounts for receipt of the refunds, which, once received, they then withdrew and spent for personal use. As a result of the scheme, $122,736 was designated to Hughes’ bank account, of which $62,011 was actually deposited therein.
Sentencing is set for December 19, 2018. Hughes faces a maximum sentence of ten years and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
St. Croix Woman Sentenced to 12 Months in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Indica Greenidge, 27, of St. Croix, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, before District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 12 months’ imprisonment for her conviction of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Greenidge to 3 years of supervised release, $75,171 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, from September 2011 to July 2012, Greenidge and others participated in a scheme to steal money from the United States treasury by fraudulently obtaining federal income tax refunds. The scheme involved the acquisition of personal identifying information used to electronically file falsified tax returns for tax years 2010 and 2011. Specifically, with Greenidge’s knowledge, her co-conspirators filed tax returns in individuals’ true names and actual social security numbers and dates of birth but falsified the individuals’ income earned, tax withholding amounts, credits, and other information, and thereby claimed refunds to which they were not entitled. The co-conspirators designated bank accounts for receipt of the refunds, which Greenidge and her co-conspirators then withdrew and spent for personal use. As a result of the scheme, $77,767 was designated to Greenidge’s bank account, of which $75,171 was actually deposited therein.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
Former Virgin Islands Senator Convicted of Wire Fraud and Theft of Federal Program FundsRead the Press Release
A former senator for the U.S. Virgin Islands has been convicted for wire fraud and theft of federal program funds for taking money ostensibly being used to fund a historical research project, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gretchen C. F. Shappert for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Wayne A.G. James, 56, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, was convicted of two counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of federal program funds. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 20.
“Wayne James abused his trusted position as a senator for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands by stealing tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to pay his own campaign and personal expenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Public corruption undermines confidence in our government institutions and the rule of law. Wayne James’s conviction is a testament to the commitment of the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who breach the public’s trust for their personal gain.”
James was indicted in October 2015. From January 2009 through January 2011, James served as a senator for the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the evidence admitted at trial, in or about April 2009, James began submitting requests to the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands for funds, ostensibly to pay for research, copying, and translation of historical documents housed at the Danish National Archives related to the Fireburn, a revolt against slave labor that took place in the Virgin Islands in the 1800s. Though James initially did use some of the requested funds to pay for the research project, he soon began to take money for himself. By 2010, James fabricated entire invoices and simply stole the money. James caused the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to pay him over $90,000, approximately $70,000 of which he took for himself. James used the misappropriated government funds to pay his re-election campaign expenses and other personal expenses after his legislative salary was garnished from a tax levy of more than $197,000.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the U.S. Virgin Islands is committed to rooting out fraud and corruption in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Shappert. “The defendant’s betrayal of the people and his elected office is intolerable and we will continue to pursue such abuses of the public trust. Here, the defendant exploited a precious piece of Virgin Islands history for his own purposes. And a Virgin Islands jury held him accountable. ”
The FBI and the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General investigated this case. Trial Attorneys Amanda R.Vaughn and Luke Cass of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Delia Smith prosecuted the case.
Former Senator Wayne James Found Guilty on Wire Fraud and Embezzlement of Government FundsRead the Press Release
"Here, the defendant exploited a precious piece of Virgin Islands history for his own purposes. And a Virgin Islands jury held him accountable."
St. Thomas, USVI –Wayne James, 56, formerly elected to the 28th Virgin Islands Legislature, was found guilty by a federal jury of wire fraud and theft of federal program funds, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced today. District Judge Curtis Gomez remanded James into the custody of the U.S. Marshals after setting his sentencing for December 20, 2018.
In 2008, James was elected by the people of St. Croix to serve in the 28th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The evidence at trial showed that shortly after taking office, James received approval from the Legislature to conduct research on the 1878 Fireburn, an historic, post-slavery uprising that occurred while the Territory was under Danish rule. The "Fireburn" was a workers’ rebellion where four women, led by Queen Mary, set ablaze 50 sugarcane plantations to bring an end to poor working and living conditions of the plantation workers. In April 2009, then-Senator James began submitting requests to the Virgin Islands Legislature for funds, ostensibly to pay for research, copying, and translation of Fireburn documents housed at the Danish National Archives.
Though James initially used the funds to pay for the research project, he soon thereafter began to defraud the people of this Territory using an elaborate scheme of submitting fake invoices to secure funds. The trial evidence further established that James’ fraudulent scheme was precipitated by his serious financial hardship, including garnishment of his Legislative salary. As a result of a $197,000.00 tax levy, the Internal Revenue Bureau began garnishing James’ wages thereby reducing his bi-weekly $2,057.00 take-home pay to $509.00. During the course of James’ fraudulent scheme, he caused the Legislature to pay him over $90,000, approximately $70,000 of which he kept for himself. The evidence at trial also showed that James diverted the misappropriated funds to pay $20,000.00 for his re-election campaign expenses, and other personal expenses.
Though James received over 1,600 pages of Fireburn documents from the Danish National Archives, trial testimony demonstrated that he never delivered the documents to the Legislature of this Territory. Instead, James kept the historical documents in order to further his future plans of becoming a screenwriter of the Fireburn movie.
"The United States Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands is committed to rooting out fraud and corruption in our government," said United States Attorney Shappert. "The defendant’s betrayal of the people and his elected office is intolerable, and we will continue to pursue such abuses of the public trust. Here, the defendant exploited a precious piece of Virgin Islands history for his own purposes. And a Virgin Islands jury held him accountable. "
This case was investigated the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Delia Smith, and Trial Attorneys Amanda Vaughn and Luke Cass of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
Two Venezuelan Nationals Plead Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Following Apprehension of a Go-Fast Vessel Carrying Multiple Kilos of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Jesus Garcia, age 35, and Jhoan Gomez, age 28, of Venezuela, both pled guilty on August 15, 2018, in District Court to one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This federal offense carries a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Sentencing is set for December 14, 2018.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2017, at approximately 7:50 pm, a Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South Patrol Aircraft located a northbound go-fast vessel (GFV) approximately 105 nautical miles west of Martinique. The vessel was located in a known drug trafficking route. It contained multiple fuel barrels and suspicious packages visible on deck. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley was directed to intercept the vessel. Upon arrival, the crew of the GFV were observed tossing the suspicious packages and fuel barrels overboard. Ultimately, the crew of the Cutter Donald Horsley recovered 8 bound packages, which contained approximately 162 kilograms (357 pounds) of marijuana. The defendants were two of the 7 Venezuelan national crew onboard the GFV. Co-defendant Juan Rodriguez previously entered a guilty plea on August 13, 2018.
The Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
One More Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for His Role in the Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Wahilli Nasco James, 23, of St. Croix, was sentenced today for his role in the armed robbery of the Gems and Gold Corner jewelry store, located on the St. Thomas waterfront, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. "The flagrant actions of gun-toting robbers will not be tolerated in the Territory," said U.S. Attorney Shappert. "In the United States Attorney’s Office, our primary focus is public safety. We intend to target violent criminals for federal prosecution. Today’s sentence is the result of constructive relationships between law-abiding citizens, hard-working law enforcement officers, and dedicated federal prosecutors."
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced James to 87 months in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and five years of supervised release. Judge Gomez ordered James to pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 400 hours of community service. Judge Gomez also ordered James to pay restitution in the amount of $31,027.81 to Gems and Gold Corner and $130,322.12 to Dorchester Insurance.
On January 19, 2018, James pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm during the September 16, 2013, Hobbs Act robbery of Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store on St. Thomas. As a part of his plea agreement, James admitted that he and others committed a Hobbs Act robbery of the jewelry store and brandished weapons to threaten and intimidate store employees.
This case is a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
Two St. Thomas Men Sentenced in Cocaine Conspiracy Responsible for Drug Smuggling through the Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Craig Richardson, 43, and Germaine Hall, 41, were sentenced today to 168 months and 160 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced both Richardson and Hall to five years of supervised release, 350 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment.
On March 29, 2018, Richardson pleaded guilty, and on April 4, 2018, Hall was convicted by a jury. According to the testimony at Hall’s trial, between 2014 and 2016, both Richardson and Hall were members of a large-scale cocaine smuggling organization that operated out of the Cyril E. King Airport. The organization smuggled cocaine by utilizing a former security officer at the Office of the Governor who used his law enforcement credentials to bypass security screening at Cyril E. King Airport to smuggling large kilogram quantities of cocaine from St. Thomas to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Once in Florida, the officer delivered the cocaine to another member of the conspiracy for distribution in the continental United States. The trial testimony revealed that Richardson, the leader of the organization, would arrange for the shipments of cocaine and later direct Hall and other members of the conspiracy to collect, and subsequently sell the cocaine at $34,000 per kilogram. Trial testimony also revealed that, during the course of the conspiracy, Hall collected multiple kilograms of cocaine, as directed by Richardson. The smuggling operation was dismantled on September 3, 2016, after a co-conspirator contacted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent and reported that the officer was traveling on that day with cocaine and had to be stopped. Within one hour of receiving the tip, CBP agents seized 22 kilograms of cocaine from the officer’s carryon suitcase.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith.
Dominican Republic Man Who Was Apprehended After Departing the St. John Car Barge Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess 55 Kilograms of Cocaine with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Reynaldo Lerburds, 41, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in District Court before Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Sentencing is set for December 6, 2018.
According, to the plea agreement, Lerburds was stopped by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) based upon information that Lerburds was coming from St. John on the car barge in a vehicle that contained a distribution quantity of cocaine. Lerburds was apprehended after departing the car barge, and DEA agents confiscated 50 brick-like objects of a white powdery substance. The white powdery substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 55 kilograms.
Lerburds faces a sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life and a fine of $10,000,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Dominican Republic Man Who Shipped Narcotics through the U.S. Mails Pleads Guilty to Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Braulio Martinez, 33, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in District Court before Judge Curtis V. Gomez to possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Sentencing is set for December 6, 2018.
According to the plea agreement, on or about July 25th, 2017, Martinez distributed two kilograms of cocaine from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland by mailing the two kilograms inside electronic equipment.
Martinez faces a minimum sentence of five years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Tortola Man Apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Possession with the Intent to Distribute 10 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ashley Warner, 54, of Tortola, pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to conspiracy and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Sentencing is set for December 6, 2018.
According to court documents, Warner was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after it was discovered that Warner was attempting to smuggle 10 kilograms of cocaine through the airport to the U.S. mainland in coolers. The white powdery substance discovered inside the coolers, tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 10 kilograms.
Warner faces a sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life and a fine of $10,000,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Michael Leonard, 21, of Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to misprision of a felony, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Sentencing is set for November 29, 2018. The federal definition of misprision requires that, (1) the principal committed and completed the felony alleged; (2) the defendant had knowledge of the commission of the felony; (3) the defendant failed to notify the authorities that the crime had been committed; and (4) the defendant took affirmative steps to conceal the crime.
According to court documents, Leonard traveled with Reynaldo Lerburds and other individuals to a secluded area of St. John and was present when a shipment of cocaine was delivered. Leonard took steps to help conceal the cocaine and did not make any effort to notify law enforcement of the receipt of the cocaine or his actions in concealing the cocaine. When Leonard was arrested on April 18, 2018, he failed to inform law enforcement of the receipt of the cocaine or the transport of the cocaine.
Leonard faces a maximum sentence of three years and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Mailing a Pistol and AR-15 Lower Receiver and for a Felony Marijuana OffenseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Jahraun Malachi Brodhurst, 26, of St. Croix, was sentenced on Friday, July 20, 2018, before District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 21 months’ imprisonment for his convictions of unlawfully mailing a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Brodhurst to 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 26, 2014, Brodhurst sent a U.S. priority mail parcel from Florida to St. Croix, Virgin Islands that contained a pistol and a an AR-15 lower receiver with an obliterated serial number. Both of the firearms were wrapped in carbon paper. The United States Postal Inspection Service Forensic Laboratories recovered two latent prints from the adhesive side of tape used to wrap the firearms in the carbon paper. Those prints matched Brodhurst’s known fingerprints.
On May 4, 2017, while a passenger in a car, stopped at a DUI checkpoint, Brodhurst was apprehended in possession of a distribution quantity of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Meredith J. Edwards.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 19 Months for Firearms Possession Associated with a Planned RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On July 19, 2018, District Court Judge Wilma Lewis sentenced Maurice Doyle, age 27, of St. Croix, to time served of 19 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today. Judge Lewis also sentenced Doyle to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $1,000.00 fine and a special assessment of $100.00.
Doyle pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on February 22, 2018. According to evidence presented in court, on December 4, 2015, Doyle was operating a vehicle carrying two male passengers. The three men travelled to Williams Delight in order to obtain firearms in preparation for a planned robbery. The passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle obtained a pistol and a .223 rifle from someone at Williams Delight and re-entered Doyle’s vehicle with the weapons. A police chase later ensued and the passenger in the rear seat discharged shots at the police. No one was injured, and the robbery did not occur. Doyle and the two passengers abandoned the vehicle and fled. None of the three was apprehended on December 4, 2015. Doyle later reported the vehicle as stolen. He was not arrested until December of 2016.
Doyle had previously been convicted in 2012 in the Virgin Islands Superior Court of unauthorized firearm possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
St. Croix Crack Cocaine Supplier Sentencing for Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI –Winston DeCastro, 45, of St. Croix, was sentenced in the District Court on July 19, 2018, on the charge of aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine base, also known as "crack cocaine", United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced DeCastro to 60 months (5 years) imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $2,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. DeCastro pled guilty to the charge on March 20, 2018.
A federal grand jury had previously returned an indictment against DeCastro, aka Moo Moo, on September 15, 2015. According to court documents, on April 21, 2015, DeCastro supplied crack cocaine to a co-defendant, Bruce McIntosh. DeCastro then transported McIntosh to McDonalds at the LaReine Shopping Center in St. Croix for the purposes of selling the cocaine to a buyer. Upon arrival, McIntosh exited DeCastro’s vehicle and sold the cocaine to the buyer for $1,800. Laboratory testing revealed that the drugs were cocaine base, a Schedule II controlled substance, with a net weight of 65.2 grams.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Task Force Officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
Four Men Sentenced in Connection with Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store Armed Robbery and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ron Delano Kuntz, 44, of St. Thomas, and Shawn McIntosh, 25, and Keon Wilson, 23, of St. Croix, were sentenced today for their roles in the armed robbery of the Gems and Gold Corner jewelry store, located on the St. Thomas waterfront, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. "The flagrant actions of gun-toting robbers will not be tolerated in the Territory," said U.S. Attorney Shappert. "In the United States Attorney’s Office, our primary focus is public safety. We intend to target violent criminals for federal prosecution. Today’s sentences are the result of constructive relationships between law-abiding citizens, hard-working law enforcement officers, and dedicated federal prosecutors."
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Kuntz to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and 78 months for Hobbs Act robbery, both sentences to run concurrent, with a consecutive sentence of 84 months’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence: a total term of imprisonment of 162 months. He sentenced McIntosh to 67 months in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and 67 months for Hobbs Act robbery, both sentences to run concurrent, with a consecutive sentence of 84 months’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence: a total term of imprisonment of 151 months. He sentenced Wilson to 51 months in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and 51 months for Hobbs Act robbery, both sentences to run concurrent, with a consecutive sentence of 84 months’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence: a total term of imprisonment of 135 months. Judge Gomez also sentenced each defendant to three years of supervised release on counts one and two of the indictment and five years on count three. Judge Gomez ordered each defendant to pay a $300 special assessment, and perform 400 hours of community service.
After a two-day trial in January of 2018, a federal jury convicted Kuntz, McIntosh and Wilson of conspiring to commit and committing a Hobbs Act robbery of Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store on St. Thomas, on September 16, 2013. According to the trial evidence, these individuals and others, conspired to rob the store and brandish weapons to threaten and intimidate store employees, and four of the individuals fled the store with merchandise.
Prior to trial, four defendants entered guilty pleas. Earlier this month, Jarmaine Ayala pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and on July 11, 2018, Judge Gomez sentenced Ayala, age 37, to 67 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Judge Gomez also ordered Ayala to perform 400 hours of community service.
Kuntz, McIntosh, Wilson and Ayala were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $31,027.81 to Gems and Gold Corner and $130,322.12 to Dorchester Insurance.
This case is a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
St. Thomas Man Indicted for Transporting a Minor for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Osvaldo Tavarez, 48, appeared for his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after a Federal Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment charging transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Tavarez remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday July 18, 2018.
According to court records, Tavarez transported a minor who had not obtained the age of eighteen to an area in St. Thomas and engaged her in illegal sexual activity. Under federal law, Tavarez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
Suspected child exploitation or missing children cases may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free 24–hour hotline at 202-514-5678, or to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at (340) 693-2250.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Dominican Republic Man Arrested for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine After Allegedly Using the U.S. Mails for Illegal Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Domingo Diaz, 40, of the Dominican Republic, was arrested on Monday on an information charging him with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Diaz made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller.
According, to the information, Diaz was involved in the mailing of two packages through the U.S. post office packages that each contained more than 500 grams of cocaine, a controlled substance.
If convicted of either possession with the intent to distribute cocaine or attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, Diaz faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
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 proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
United States Attorneys’ Office and FBI Announce Federal and Territorial Law Enforcement Training Which Supports Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff announced an upcoming Interview and Interrogation Seminar for federal and territorial law enforcement scheduled for July 30th and 31st on St. Thomas. FBI trainers from the Washington D.C. field office will conduct the training. The training supports Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s primary initiative to reduce violent crime and ensure public safety. Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI participate in PSN initiatives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods contains five key components: leadership by the United States Attorney’s Office; partnerships at all levels of law enforcement and the community; targets and prioritized enforcement that focuses on apprehending the worst-of-the-worst for federal prosecution; prevention of additional violence through locally based information and outreach initiatives; and accountability for results, measured by effective outcomes. For additional information, see Project Safe Neighborhoods.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced for Transporting and Harboring Illegal Aliens and for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Dean Baptiste, 53, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today on separate indictments charging conspiracy to traffic illegal aliens and bank fraud, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Baptiste to 18 months in prison. Judge Gomez also sentenced Baptiste to three years of supervised release for the bank fraud and four years supervised release for the alien smuggling. The periods of supervised release are to run concurrently. Judge Gomez ordered Baptiste to pay a $200 special assessment, perform 400 hours of community service, and to pay restitution in the amount of $11,197.47.
On November 21, 2017, Baptiste pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to bring into and harbor illegal aliens in the United States. On that date, he also pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. According to documents filed in court, Baptiste and others assisted individuals traveling from India to enter the United States illegally. The illegal aliens traveled from India to St. Kitts where they boarded commercial flights to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Once in Tortola, they were transported by boat to St. Thomas, where arrangements were made to transport them to the mainland United States.
Court documents further showed that Baptiste obtained and altered a check not issued for his use or benefit and substituted the name of his business, D/M Computer Consulting Services. Baptiste subsequently deposited the check into his business checking account and withdrew the funds for his personal use.
The case was investigated by Home Land Security Investigations, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 78 Months Incarceration for His Role in a Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Kenneth James, 51, of Dominica, was sentenced before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to 78 months incarceration for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. In addition, Judge Gomez also ordered that James be sentenced to five years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and complete 400 hours community service.
According to the plea agreement filed with the Court, on August 15, 2017, James was arrested by Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after he attempted to sell to an individual approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine. James attempted to sell each kilogram of cocaine for $13,500.
The case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Dominica Native Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Lester Gabriel Charles, 35, pleaded guilty before District Judge Curtis V. Gomez to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. Charles sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2018.
Virgin Islands Police Department responded to an altercation on April 5, 2018 involving Charles, who is in the United States illegally. Charles admitted that he possessed and later discarded the firearm, a Beretta Pierto Model CAT-5802, which Virgin Islands Police Officers recovered. The firearm contained 10 live rounds of ammunition—one in the chamber and one in the firearm’s magazine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David White.
Mexican Man Arrested at the Cyril E. King Airport Sentenced to Incarceration for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – FilibertoMoreno, 50, of Mexico, was sentenced today before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to four months incarceration for illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. In addition, Judge Gomez sentenced Moreno to one year of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to plea agreement, Moreno was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he presented himself at primary inspection. During the inspection process, Customs agents discovered that Moreno had been previously deported from the United States and that he did not have permission to legally be in the territory.
The case was investigated Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced to 93 months of Imprisonment for Arson and Malicious Damage and Destruction Charges Related to Fires at Three U.S. Government PropertiesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Spencer Wayne Allen, 26, was sentenced today before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez to 93 months of imprisonment for his convictions of arson and malicious damage and destruction to federal property, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Allen to 3 years of supervised released, 300 hours of community service, and a $300 special assessment.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on February 28, 2017, Allen maliciously damaged the U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment Center in the Nisky Shopping Center on St. Thomas by means of fire, resulting in the Center’s complete destruction. Also on February 28, 2017, Allen damaged by fire two other properties belonging to the United States – the Ron de Lugo Federal Building and United States Courthouse and the U.S. Coast Guard Station.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), Virgin Islands Police Department, Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Virgin Islands Fire Service, and the Virginia Beach Fire Department Fire Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and Everard E. Potter.Six Members of a Venezuelan-sourced Maritime Cocaine Smuggling Operation Convicted by a St. Croix, Virgin Islands JuryRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Following an eight-week re-trial, a St. Croix federal jury convicted six defendants on cocaine conspiracy and drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today. Defendants Sergio Quinones-Davila, 43, of Orlando, Fla., Jose Hodge, 38, of St. Croix, and Omi Guitierrez-Calderon, 38, Anibal Vega-Arizmendi, 28, Jean Carlos Vega-Arizmendi, 26, Jesus Burgos-Montanez, 31, all from Puerto Rico, were convicted on all counts.
According to trial testimony, the defendants were members of an international cocaine trafficking from 2014 through 2016. Members of the conspiracy routinely retrieved cocaine shipments transported from Venezuela to mid-sea locations just south of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, where the cocaine was transferred to local vessels for transport into St. Croix. The cocaine was subsequently shipped to Puerto Rico for distribution.
Evidence at trial revealed that the organization planned for the retrieval of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed. Law enforcement efforts to interdict the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. On November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents apprehended four members of the organization, including Hodge and Burgos, on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix and seized 87 kilograms of cocaine packed in four suitcases.
"This is one of the most significant transnational cocaine conspiracy investigations in recent memory, where large quantities of cocaine from Venezuela were shipped through the Virgin Islands and on to Puerto Rico. Apprehension and conviction of these defendants makes clear that federal agents and prosecutors will aggressively pursue the drug traffickers that threaten our islands," said U.S. Attorney Shappert. She also praised the agents and prosecution team who worked to bring these defendants to justice.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced.
Defendant Gutierrez-Calderon faces a sentence of imprisonment of 20 years to life and a fine of up to $20,000,000. The remaining defendants face sentences of imprisonment of ten years to life and fines of up to $10,000,000. Sentencings hearings for the defendants convicted at trial have been scheduled for October.
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.
California Man Apprehended at Cyril E. King Airport Sentenced to Incarceration for Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Kelley Hansen, 28, of California, was sentenced today before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to 2 ½ months incarceration for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. He was credited by the court for time he had served in custody, pending his sentencing. Judge Gomez also sentenced Hansen to 2 years of supervised released, 200 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment.
According to the plea agreement, Hansen travelled from California to St. Thomas with the intention of distributing marijuana. Hansen arrived on St. Thomas onboard a commercial airline with approximately two kilograms of marijuana. He was apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport with the drugs.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods: Town Hall Meeting: Contant Knolls Community #171 Estate Contant, St. Thomas, VI June 21st at 6:00 p.m.Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that she and other federal law enforcement, plus members of the District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, will participate in a community meeting at the Contant Knolls Community Center on Thursday, June 21st at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide community members with an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns about public safety. The United States Attorney will also discuss the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to investigate and prosecute violent crime while supporting efforts to ensure public safety.
According to U.S. Attorney Shappert, "We have been very encouraged by the strong public response to our Project Safe Neighborhoods outreach efforts. We believe that obtaining information and support from our community partners is vital to our crime reduction strategy. Following the success of last week’s Kirwan Terrace Community Town Hall Meeting, we look forward to hearing from residents of the Contant Knolls Community."
Additional information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Alvaro de Lugo Post Office BurglaryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Allen Springette, 45, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to burglary of the Alvaro de Lugo Post Office, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today. Sentencing is set for October 18, 2018.
In court today, Springette admitted that, had the case proceeded to trial, the government would have been able to prove that in the early morning hours of April 16, 2018, Springette gained entry into the Alvaro de Lugo Post Office by smashing one of its windows with a brick. After crawling through the window, Springette rifled through several postal packages and thereafter, as was captured on surveillance video, left with at least one package. Virgin Islands Police Department officers easily identified Springette as the individual captured on those surveillance videos and, upon encountering him later that same evening, noticed that Springette appeared to be wearing the same clothing as seen on the videos. When questioned, Springette admitted to breaking into the Alvaro de Lugo Post Office with the intent of finding items to steal and that he did, in fact, steal at least one postal package.
Springette faces a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of $250,000.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Tortola Native Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy Resulting from the Traffic Stop Apprehension of 39 Bricks of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Khadin Fahie, 23, pleaded guilty before District Judge Curtis Gomez to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 15 but less than 40 kilogram of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced today. Fahie sentencing is scheduled for October 18, 2018.
Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop of an unregistered SUV operated by Jesus Rosario-Rondon. Fahie was a the passenger in the vehicle. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on March 7, 2018, a VIPD officer during a routine traffic stop observed occupants of a vehicle who appeared very nervous and agitated. The officer also observed two large duffle bags in the back seat of the SUV, and later asked both occupants if either was the owner of the duffle bags. Fahie and the driver of the SUV both responded that the duffle bags belonged to the other person. The VIPD officer then requested and received permission from the driver of the SUV to search the duffle bags. Inspection of the duffle bags revealed 39 bricks containing a white powered substance, wrapped in vacuumed sealed plastic that later tested positive of the presence of cocaine. Also discovered was one empty plastic wrapping that tested positive for cocaine. Fahie later admitted ownership of the cocaine, and stated that he traveled from Tortola to St. Thomas with the cocaine to find a buyer. Fahie further stated that the driver of the SUV had assisted him in finding a buyer for the cocaine on St. Thomas.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Delia Smith.
St. Thomas Man Indicted for Disaster Fraud and Wire Fraud Stemming from Theft of FEMA Relief MoneyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Teron Stevens, 27, of St. Thomas, was indicted on Friday, June 8, 2018, by a federal grand jury charging him with one count of Disaster Fraud and one count of Wire Fraud, in relation to Hurricane Irma Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds.
According to the indictment, in September of 2017, Stevens applied to FEMA for disaster relief by falsely claiming to be a homeowner of a property damaged by Hurricane Irma. As a result, Stevens received over $27,000 in FEMA assistance to which he was not entitled. If convicted, Stevens faces a maximum sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma struck the United States Virgin Islands. In response, on September 7, 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq. (the "Stafford Act"), for the Virgin Islands. As a result of this declaration, FEMA was authorized to provide assistance to affected residents of St. Thomas and St. John through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in October 2017. Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security-Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and Mervin A. Bourne, Jr.
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.
Former Government House Security Officer Neal Chesterfield Sentenced to 70 Months Incarceration for His Involvement in a Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Former Government House Security Officer Neal Chesterfield, 41, was sentenced before District Judge Curtis Gomez to 70 months incarceration for his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced today. Gomez also sentenced Chesterfield to five years of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court on December 1, 2016, Chesterfield was a member of a large-scale drug trafficking organization from 2011 through 2016. In 2011, Chesterfield, a security officer at the Office of the Governor, was recruited by a co-conspirator who convinced him to use his law enforcement credentials to bypass security screening at Cyril E. King Airport to smuggling large kilogram quantities of cocaine from St. Thomas to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Once in Florida, Chesterfield delivered the cocaine to a co-conspirator for distribution in the continental United States at $33,000 per kilogram. During the course of the conspiracy, Chesterfield used his security clearance to smuggle over 200 kilograms of cocaine for the drug trafficking organization. The smuggling operation was dismantled on September 3, 2016, after a co-conspirator contacted a CBP agent and reported that Chesterfield was traveling on that day with cocaine and had to be stopped. Within one hour of receiving the tip, CBP agents seized 22 kilograms of cocaine from Chesterfield’s carryon suitcase.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Delia Smith.