District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two More Plead Guilty in McDonald’s Restaurant Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Betel Rosario Paulino, 18, of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty on July 27, and Helwood Paris, 20, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty on Monday in District Court for their roles in the armed robbery of the McDonald’s restaurant on St. Thomas, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Paris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and the territorial charge of robbery in the first degree and Paulino pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and discharge of a firearm during a federal crime of violence. Sentencing is set for November 30, 2017.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on March 25, 2017, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the McDonald’s restaurant in the Lockhart Shopping Center. Paris and Paulino were arrested after the investigation revealed that they were involved in the planning, execution and attempt at covering up the robbery. Two other men, Junior Feliz and Hanselo Recio, previously entered guilty pleas based on their roles in the robbery. Their sentencing hearing is set for October 5, 2017.
Paris faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two counts: conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and the territorial charge of robbery in the first degree.
Paulino faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and a mandatory 10-year consecutive sentence for discharge of a firearm during a federal crime of violence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and VIPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte and Criminal Chief Christian A. Fisanick.
Two Men Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Bringing in and Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- King Leonard, 24, of Tortola and Michael Leonard, 21, of Pennsylvania, were sentenced today to 12 months in prison for bringing into and harboring illegal aliens in the United States, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced the two brothers to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 350 hours of community service.
The two brothers recently pleaded guilty to bringing into and harboring illegal aliens in the United States. According to the plea agreements, between November 10-11, 2016, the two brothers attempted to smuggle six illegal aliens, nationals of the Dominican Republic, into the United States aboard the M/V Sole Mio, which they operated.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David White.
Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Antonio Sanes-Carmona, 45, of St. Croix, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1,000 for possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis also ordered Sanes-Carmona to pay a $100 special assessment.
On December 21, 2016, Sanes-Carmona pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. According to the plea agreement filed in court, Sanes-Carmona admitted to possessing child pornography images that showed minor males and females engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults and other minors.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
California Woman Sentenced to Eight Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Okeyonna Njoku, 30, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to eight months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Njoku to perform 300 hours of community service and pay a special assessment of $100.
On March 16, 2017, Njoku pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. According to the plea agreement, on October 15, 2016, at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K-9 detected narcotics in a checked bag belonging to Njoku. Njoku had taken an American Airlines flight from Miami, Fla. to St. Thomas. CBP officers examined the contents of the bag, resealed the bag, and placed it on the carousel for retrieval. When Njoku retrieved the bag, CBP officers seized and field-tested approximately 5.9 kilograms of marijuana from Njoku’s bags.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
St. Croix National Guard Member Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison forWire Fraud, Theft of Government Money, and Making a False Statement to the GovernmentRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On July 13, 2017, Lt. Col. Kenneth Alleyne, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for wire fraud, theft of government money, and making a false statement to the government, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis also ordered Alleyne to pay a $10,000 fine, a $4,400 special assessment, and $58,999.35 in restitution to the Virgin Islands National Guard. Alleyne was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals to begin serving his sentence.
On September 30, 2016, a federal jury on St. Croix found Alleyne guilty of 42 counts of wire fraud, theft of government money, and making a false statement to the government. Evidence presented at trial established that from on or about May 1, 2010, to on or about February 28, 2012, Alleyne unlawfully obtained monthly Overseas Housing Allowance payments to pay his rent. The evidence established that Alleyne was not entitled to receive the payments because he did not have any rent payments and that he lied to federal agents to cover up the fraud. At sentencing, Chief Judge Lewis also found that Alleyne had engaged in the same criminal conduct since 2005.
"This sentence should stand as a strong warning to those tempted to defraud the U.S. government," Frank Robey, director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit said. "Our agents, along with our law enforcement partners, will pursue all forms of fraud, waste, and abuse."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Army CID –Major Procurement Fraud Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna A. Vlasova and Criminal Chief Christian A. Fisanick.
Woman Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and Related Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On June 26, 2017, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Aracelis N. Ayala a/k/a "Gordita" a/k/a "Fluff," 34, of St. Croix, to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release for Hobbs Act robbery and related gun offenses, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Ayala to perform 400 hours of community service and pay a $300 special assessment.
On February 23, 2017, a federal jury found Ayala guilty of one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of robbery in the first degree.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Ayala and two men conspired to rob Signature Jewelers on August 19, 2015. Ayala provided cash, rented a vehicle, and secured hotel rooms on St. Thomas. During the robbery Ayala’s co-conspirators brandished a handgun to intimidate the store employees and used duct tape to bind and gag them before fleeing with cash and merchandise.
Other members of the conspiracy, Turrel Thomas, 21, and Raheem Miller a/k/a "Caesar," 24, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and related firearm offenses. They were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and are awaiting sentencing on July 5, 2017.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna A. Vlasova and Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acio Richards, 26, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for cocaine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced Richards to three years of supervised release.
On February 27, 2017, Richards pleaded guilty to three counts of cocaine distribution. According to the plea agreement filed in court, Richards admitted to distributing cocaine to an undercover agent on three different occasions in November 2016. Richards further admitted that during the third transaction, he exchanged a purported half-ounce of cocaine for a Glock pistol.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Reinaldo Morone, 44, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney, Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced Morone to serve five years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 400 hours of community service.
On December 12, 2016, Morone pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. According to the plea agreement, on October 20, 2016, Morone attempted to sell to an individual approximately four kilograms of a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Crime of Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Walid John, 37, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 10 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of domestic violence, Acting United States Attorney, Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced John to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 400 hours of community service.
On December 12, 2016, John pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of domestic violence. According to the plea agreement, on October 20, 2016, John admitted to being in possession of a firearm and that he had been previously convicted of a domestic violence offense in 2012.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Dominican Republic Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Cristian Lopez-Moncion, 35, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in federal court on St. Thomas to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on August 6, 2016, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) responded to Main Street, after a report of shots fired. Lopez-Moncion admitted that he was in possession of a Glock 9mm firearm. The Glock was examined and determined that it had been modified to operate as a fully automatic firearm. It was determined that Lopez-Moncion is not a legal resident of the United States and is not licensed to possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands.
Lopez-Moncion faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for October 13, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the VIPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Woman Arrested for Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Money, and Making a False Statement to the GovernmentRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Aesha Rivers, 41, made her initial appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon after being indicted on 75 counts of wire fraud, theft of government money, and making a false statement to the government, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Cannon released Rivers on an unsecured bond.
According to the indictment, Rivers knowingly devised a scheme to unlawfully use her Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) to obtain government money, by means of wire, that she was not entitled to receive. Rivers was a member Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) and between June 1, 2011, and June 20, 2015, she applied for and received OHA funds by submitting fraudulent applications for federal funds.
If convicted, Rivers faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud counts; 10 years in prison for theft of government money; and five years in prison for making a false statement.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Army CID–Major Procurement Fraud Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Four Men Indicted on Hobbs Act Robbery and Related Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shaquielle Correa, 21, of St. Croix, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged by indictment with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Correa, along with Jarmaine Ayala, 36, Wahilli James, 21, both of St. Croix, and Ron Delano Kuntz, 42, of St. Thomas, are charged in a conspiracy to rob Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store on St. Thomas. All four men are scheduled to be arraigned on June 26, 2017.
According to the indictment, on September 16, 2013, the four men conspired with each other and other unidentified co-conspirators to rob the store, brandished weapons to threaten and intimidate store employees, and then fled the store with merchandise.
If convicted, each of the four men face up to 20 years in prison on the Hobbs Act robbery charge, plus a mandatory seven-year consecutive sentence for the brandishing a firearm charge.
This case is being investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna A. Vlasova and Kim L. Chisholm.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Two Men Plead Guilty in McDonald’s Restaurant RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Hanselo Recio, 18, and Junior Feliz, 22, both of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas for their roles in the robbery of a McDonald’s restaurant on St. Thomas, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Recio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and Feliz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. Both defendants were remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing on October 5, 2017.
According to plea agreements filed with the court, on March 25, 2017, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) responded to reports of a robbery at the McDonald’s restaurant in the Lockhart Shopping Center. After an exchange of gunfire, Recio, who was armed and inside the McDonald’s restaurant, surrendered and was taken into custody. Feliz was the driver of the getaway car. Three other men also are charged in District Court in the robbery.
Recio faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and a mandatory 10-year consecutive sentence for discharge of a firearm during a federal crime of violence. Feliz faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Rhasheel Charles, 30, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release for drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Charles to pay a $100 special assessment and complete 400 hours of community service.
On January 31, 2017, Charles pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, Charles was attempting to carry 3.55 kilograms of cocaine in a bag onboard an American Airlines flight to Miami, Fla., when a Customs and Border Protection canine alerted to the drugs in the bag.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to False Claim of U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Ewart Henry, 71, of Jamaica, pleaded guilty today in federal court on St. Thomas to making a false claim of United States citizenship, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez detained Henry pending further proceedings. Sentencing is set for October 5, 2017.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, Henry admitted that he knowingly gave a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer a Connecticut state identification card to falsely represent that he was a United States citizen.
Henry faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations . It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Dean Thompson, 47, of St. Thomas, made his initial appearance Monday before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on an indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Thompson was detained pending a detention hearing on Friday.
According to the indictment, between February 9, 2017, and March 8, 2017, Thompson conspired with others to possess approximately 14 kilograms of marijuana that was mailed in two packages from New York to St. Thomas.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Department of Planning and Natural Resources Officer and Three Other Men Indicted in Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Gerald Mercer, 42, Jamal Haynes, 39, Makimba Barry, 39, and Craig Richardson, 39, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 18, 2017, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced today. Mercer, an officer with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Friday and Richardson made his initial appearance Monday. Mercer was placed on home detention and ordered to pay a $75,000 cash bond pending trial. Richardson was detained pending his detention hearing Wednesday. Barry and Haynes were arrested earlier and detained pending trial.
According to the indictment, Richardson, Barry and Haynes conspired with Neal Chesterfield, former bodyguard of Governor Kenneth Mapp, to possess with intent to distribute approximately 136 kilograms of cocaine beginning on or about December 15, 2014, through September 3, 2016. Prior to that date Mercer, Barry and Chesterfield conspired to possess with intent to distribute 125 kilograms of cocaine beginning on or about January 1, 2011, through December 15, 2014. Chesterfield pleaded guilty to an Information on December 6, 2016 and is detained pending sentencing.
If convicted, each of the men charged in the indictment faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and not more than life, and a fine of up to $10 million.
This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith.
Seven Venezuelan Men Arrested for Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Substances on Board a VesselRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Felix Gomez, 37; Roman Jose Aguilera Gig, 37; Jesus Garcia, 34; Rosauro Morao, 47; Manuel Rodriguez, 51; Juan Rodriguez, 25,; and Jhoan Gomez, 28, all of Venezuela, made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, Jr., after being charged in a complaint with conspiracy to possess controlled substance on board a vessel, and possession of controlled substances on board a vessel, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2017.
According to court records, during the afternoon of May 8, 2017, a suspicious go-fast vessel was detected by a maritime patrol aircraft in international waters off Martinique. The Coast Guard out of San Juan interdicted the go-fast, detained the seven men onboard and seized multiple bales, which tested positive for marijuana. The Coast Guard transported the seven men and approximately 573 pounds of marijuana to St. Croix on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
If convicted of conspiracy to possess controlled substances and possession of controlled substances on board a vessel, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The interdiction was the result of ongoing, multi-agency and international law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve and Operation Caribbean Guard. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Coast Guard. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Fifth Man Arrested for Robbery of McDonald’s RestaurantRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Troy Titley, 36, of St. Thomas made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged by indictment with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to possess a firearm during a crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Titley, who was detained pending a detention hearing on May 22, 2017, also has been charged under Virgin Islands law with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in a public housing zone.
Four other men charged in the robbery of the McDonald’s restaurant on March 25, 2017 at the Lockhart Shopping Center on St. Thomas made their initial appearances before Judge Miller on April 26, 2017. The four men are Hanselo Recio, Betel Paulino, Junior Feliz and Helwood Paris.
If convicted, Titley faces up to 20 years in prison on the Hobbs Act robbery and local robbery charges; a mandatory 10 year consecutive sentence for the federal possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 15 and 30 year sentences on the territorial firearm charges.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Two Men Sentenced for Trafficking in FirearmsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Mohammed Jubran, 27, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, and co-defendant, Raji Yusuf, 30, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, both for trafficking in firearms, Acting United States Attorney Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced each of the two men to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 350 hours of community service.
On November 8 and 18, 2016, Jubran and Yusuf pleaded guilty to trafficking in firearms. According to the plea agreements, between October 15, 2015 and February 10, 2016, Yusuf provided an AK-47 to Jubran that Jubran sold to an individual in St. Thomas. Neither Jubran nor Yusuf is a federally licensed firearms dealer, and neither is licensed under Virgin Islands law to possess firearms.
This case was a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced to 31 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Melvin Petersen, 55, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 31 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also sentenced Petersen to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to forfeit $6,726 to the United States.
On December 12, 2016, Petersen pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to documents filed with the court, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant on Petersen’s residence on September 27, 2016, and found him in possession of approximately 280 grams of cocaine and $6,726 in cash. Petersen had no lawful employment.
This case was investigated by the ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shakieme S. Freeman, 24, of St. Thomas, made his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. After a detention hearing held today, Judge Miller released Freeman to two third-party custodians on a $25,000 unsecured bond and placed him on home detention with electronic monitoring pending further proceedings.
According to the complaint, police were patrolling the Thomasville Housing Community on February 16, 2017, when they came into contact with Freeman and discovered him to be armed with a loaded Glock pistol.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Freeman faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The information is the result of investigative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Four Men Arrested in McDonald’s Robbery Detained Pending HearingsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Hanselo Recio, 18, Betel Paulino, 18, and Junior Feliz, 22, of the Dominican Republic, and Helwood Paris, 20, of Puerto Rico, made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Each of the four men is charged with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess a firearm during a crime of violence, and territorial charges of robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in a public housing zone, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. The men were detained pending detention hearings to be scheduled.
According to the Information, on March 25, 2017, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) responded to reports of a robbery at the McDonald’s restaurant in Lockhart Shopping Center on St. Thomas. After an exchange of gunfire, Recio, who was inside McDonald’s surrendered and was taken into custody. The follow-up investigation identified Paulino, Feliz and Paris as the remaining persons involved in the robbery.
The penalty for conviction of Hobbs Act robbery or the local robbery charge is up to 20 years, and for the federal charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, it is a mandatory 10-year consecutive sentence. For the territorial possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, the penalty is up to 15 years and for possession of a firearm in a public housing zone, the penalty is up to 30 years.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the VIPD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Acting United State Attorney Hewlett 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.
Jamaican National Arrested in St. Thomas for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Ewart Henry, 71, of Jamaica, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged in a criminal complaint with illegal reentry, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Henry was detained pending further proceedings. Preliminary and detention hearings are set for April 25, 2017.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 21, 2017, Henry presented himself at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) primary inspection checkpoint at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Henry was a ticketed passenger on an outbound American Airlines flight to Connecticut. He provided a Connecticut state ID card and was unable to provide further documentation of citizenship. CBP secondary inspection discovered that Henry is a Jamaican national and was previously deported in 2008. Henry had not obtained permission to reenter the United States.
Under federal law, if convicted of illegal reentry, Henry faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The case is being investigated by CBP and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Woman Arrested for Receiving Firearms in the MailRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shelica Baxter, 26, of St. Thomas, made her initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged with receiving firearms through the mail, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Miller released Baxter on a $10,000 unsecured bond and set Baxter’s preliminary hearing for April 12, 2017.
According to the complaint, on April 5, 2017, agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Baxter in the area of the Sugar Estate Post Office in St. Thomas after she received a package from her post office box containing two firearms.
Under federal law, if convicted of receiving firearms, Baxter faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is being investigated by HSI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Acting United States Attorney Hewlett 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.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison in Connection with Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Christopher Butler, 30, of Twinsburg, Ohio, was sentenced today to 110 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Butler to pay a $100 special assessment and perform 400 hours of community service.
On January 23, 2017, Butler pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute not less than 3.5 and not more than 5 kilograms of cocaine in connection with a 13-member drug smuggling ring operated by Nilda Morton of St. Thomas. Morton utilized airline employees and female drug couriers to smuggle cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport. Morton, the leader of the organization, was sentenced by Judge Gomez on March 23, 2017 to 97 months in prison. On March 16, 2017, Gomez also sentenced Dellana Magner to five years in prison. Both Morton and Magner were ordered to complete five years of supervised release and perform 400 hours of community service on their cocaine possession convictions.
Still awaiting sentencing on cocaine possession charges are Vanier Murraine, 34, a native of St. Thomas and resident of Detroit; Drue Williams, III, 35, of Twinsburgh, Ohio; Taheeda George, 37, Roniqua Hart, 24, Kinia Blyden, 23, and Jerrisha Rawlins, 22, all of St. Thomas. Also awaiting sentencing are Rasheem Morton, 36, Monique David, 40, and Te’Nae George, 23, all of St. Thomas, who pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. Kanya Tirado, 38, of St. Thomas, who was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of cocaine conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced on June 8, 2017.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh, New York, Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Thomas. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Jashawn Bailey, 30, of St. Thomas pleaded guilty today in federal court to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez remanded Bailey into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending his sentencing on August 8, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, on December 14, 2016, Virgin Islands Police Department officers (VIPD), while processing a crime scene, discovered a .45 Taurus firearm with an obliterated serial number wrapped in a T-shirt and hat. The investigation revealed that those items belonged to Bailey. Further, the firearm was determined to be operable and had traveled in interstate commerce. Bailey does not possess a license for the firearm in the Virgin Islands.
Bailey faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Former St. Croix Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Program Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Celeste P. Bermudez, 41, formerly of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today to theft of federal program funds and making and subscribing a false income tax return, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez allowed Bermudez to remain on bail until August 1, 2017, when she must self-surrender to the United States Marshals Service. Sentencing is scheduled for August 8, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, Bermudez was the finance director of the Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource & Education, Inc. (VICARE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting HIV-AIDS education and support services to individuals living with HIV-AIDS. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved approximately $1.3 million in grant funds to VICARE. During the period July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded VICARE approximately $627,365 in grant funds. Bermudez admitted to embezzling more than $5,000 during the period January 2012 through December 2013. Bermudez also admitted to making and subscribing a false 2011 income tax return, in that Bermudez failed to report $135,783.29 in 2011 income from VICARE.
Bermudez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the federal program fraud charge, and not more than three years in prison or a $5,000 fine, or both, for the tax charge.
The case was investigated by HUD Office of Inspector General, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim L. Chisholm and Meredith Edwards.
Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI B Scott Bass, 43, pleaded guilty today in federal court on St. Croix to providing contraband in prison, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 18, 2016, Bass went to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility to deliver items to detainee Robert James. Bass brought two small containers of Africa’s Best Super Gro Hair and Scalp Conditioner. A corrections officer told Bass the detainee could only have one container of hair conditioner, so Bass delivered one container and left with the second one. After Bass departed, a corrections officer searched the container and found marijuana, hashish and tobacco in a secret compartment. Bass was directed to return to the facility and was detained. Corrections officers recovered the second container and it contained marijuana and bamboo wrapping paper.
Bass faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A sentencing date has been set for August 2, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Woman Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison in Connection with Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Nilda Morton, 32, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Morton to pay a $700 special assessment and - perform 400 hours of community service.
On January 23, 2017, Morton pleaded guilty to seven counts of possession with intent to distribute not less than five and not more than 15 kilograms of cocaine in connection with a 13-member drug smuggling ring operated by Morton. From October 2015 through July 2016, Morton paid airline employees at the Cyril E. King Airport and female drug couriers to smuggle cocaine to the U.S. mainland. On three occasions between June and July 2016, airport security surveillance footage captured Morton and other drug couriers in a public restroom exchanging vacuum-sealed packages of cocaine before boarding their flights. The investigation culminated on July 1, 2016, with the arrest of Dellana Magner, 23, of St. Thomas, after she had smuggled three kilograms of cocaine onboard an American Airlines flight destined for Miami. Magner pleaded guilty on January 23, 2017, and was sentenced on March 16, 2017, to five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for her conviction on cocaine possession.
Still waiting to be sentenced are Vanier Murraine, 34, a native of St. Thomas and resident of Detroit; Christopher Butler, 30, and Drue Williams, III, 35, of Twinsburgh, Ohio; and Taheeda George, 37, Roniqua Hart, 24, Kinia Blyden, 23, and Jerrisha Rawlins, 22, all of St. Thomas. Murraine, Butler, Williams, George, Hart, Blyden and Rawlins all pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Also awaiting sentencing are Rasheem Morton, 36, Monique David, 40, and Te’Nae George, 23, all of St. Thomas, who pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. The final defendant, Kanya Tirado, 38, of St. Thomas, was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of cocaine conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine will be sentenced on June 8, 2017.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh, New York, Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Thomas. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI B Ajani Plante, 26, pleaded guilty today in federal court on St. Croix to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 17, 2013, Plante, while aided and abetted by others, entered Perfection Gift Shop to rob the store. Plante and the other individuals had guns drawn and one of the robbers hit the store security person in the head with the gun, injuring him. Plante and the other robbers went behind the counter and removed several trays of gold jewelry. After the robbery, they ran out of the store, got into a vehicle behind the shopping center, and left the scene.
Plante faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the robbery count and a mandatory seven years and a $250,000 fine on the gun charge. A sentencing date has been set for July 20, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Okeyonna Njoku, 30, of Los Angeles, California pleaded guilty on March 16, 2017, in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
According to the plea agreement, on October 15, 2016, at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K-9 detected narcotics in a checked bag belonging to Njoku, who had arrived on an American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida. CPB officers examined the contents of the bag, resealed it, and placed it on the carousel for retrieval. Njoku retrieved the bag from the baggage claim area. CBP officers seized and field-tested a total of approximately 5.9 kilograms of marijuana from Njoku’s bags.
Njoku was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2017.
Njoku faces a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison in Connection with Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - Dellana Magner, 23, of St. Thomas, was sentenced in federal court to five years in prison on March 16, 2017, followed by five years of supervised release for her conviction for cocaine possession, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Magner to pay a $100 special assessment, and perform 400 hours of community service.
On January 26, 2017, Magner pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute not less than 3.5 and not more than 5 kilograms of cocaine in connection with a drug smuggling ring operated by Nilda Morton who utilized airline employees at the Cyril E. King Airport and female couriers to smuggle cocaine to the U.S. mainland. On three occasions between June and July 2016, airport security surveillance footage captured Magner and other drug couriers in the public restroom located in the Spirit Airlines lounge exchanging vacuum-sealed packages of cocaine before boarding their flights. The investigation culminated on July 1, 2016, with the arrest of Magner after she smuggled three kilograms of cocaine onboard an American Airlines flight destined for Miami, Florida.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh, New York, Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Thomas. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Naeem Smith, 25, of St. Thomas, was sentenced in federal court on March 16, 2017, to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on firearms trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez also ordered Smith to pay a $3,000 fine, $100 special assessment, to perform 400 hours of community service, and to forfeit 18 firearms, including two AK47s.
On August 17, 2016, Smith pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms in interstate and foreign commerce. According to the plea agreement, on April 27, 2016, at the Cyril E. King Airport, a law enforcement K-9 alerted to the presence of firearms inside of luggage checked in Smith’s name. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers examined Smith’s luggage, which revealed one Taurus pistol, 15 Glock pistols, and two AK-47 assault rifles. His luggage also contained two AK-47 magazines, 36 other pistol magazines with capacities ranging from 9 to 15 rounds, 10 speed loaders, twenty .40 caliber Smith and Wesson rounds, and a storage box.
This case was a result of Operation Gun Dog, which was formed by law enforcement agencies to interdict contraband traveling through the Cyril E. King Airport and deter criminal activity during the St. Thomas Carnival. Agencies included CBP, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, Transportation Security Administration, Virgin Islands Port Authority and Virgin Islands Police Department It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith.
Man Sentenced to 17 Months in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Nathaniel Sumayah, 31, of St. Thomas, to 17 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Sumayah to pay a $100 special assessment and complete 400 hours of community service.
On November 9, 2016, Sumayah pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the plea agreement, on August 13, 2016, federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant of Sumayah’s residence and discovered two firearms, six magazines, and approximately 280 rounds of assorted ammunition, all of which belonged to Sumayah.
The case was investigated by ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to 18 Months for Attempted Possession of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on March 15, 2017, sentenced Kalomi Kambui, 41, of St. Croix, to 18 months in prison for attempted possession of a controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Kambui to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay a fine of $500 and a special assessment of $100.
On September 20, 2016, Kambui pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance. According to documents filed in court, on June 12, 2013, while she was employed as a corrections officer at Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility (Golden Grove), Kambui accepted what she believed to be ecstasy pills, along with payment, for the purpose of delivering the pills to an inmate inside Golden Grove. Ecstasy is a street name for the controlled substance methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
Woman Sentenced in Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI B Senior District Court Judge Raymond Finch on March 14, 2017, sentenced, Ketisha Iles, 25, to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to interfere and interference with commerce by robbery, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Finch also sentenced Iles to three years of supervised release and a special monetary assessment of $200.
On March 6, 2015, after a five-day trial, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Iles of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery. Evidence presented at trial established that on June 17, 2013, after Iles was buzzed into Perfection Jewelry Store, she held the door open for three masked gunmen to enter. Once in the store, one of the gunmen hit an employee several times with a gun. Another gunman stood at the door while the others broke the display case and stole approximately $100,000 worth of 14-carat gold jewelry. The evidence also showed that Iles knew of the robbery before it happened and agreed to hold the door open for the gunmen.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch on March 14, 2017 sentenced Alejandro Marva-Romero, 33, of Venezuela, to 41 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Finch also sentenced Marva-Romero to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.
On September 14, 2016, Marva-Romero pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. On November 13, 2015, Marva-Romero and other co-defendants traveled from St. Croix by boat to retrieve a load of cocaine mid-sea from a supply vessel. They transported the drugs in suitcases back to St. Croix and offloaded them at Knight’s Bay beach. Law enforcement tracked the boat as it returned to St. Croix and apprehended Marva-Romero and two co-defendants on the beach in close proximity to the suitcases. The suitcases contained 87 kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to 18 Months for Providing Contraband in Prison and Conflict of InterestRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on March 13, 2017, sentenced Abdul Robinson, 39, of St. Croix, to six months in prison for providing contraband in prison and one year in prison for the territorial offense of conflict of interest, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Judge Lewis ordered Robinson to serve the one year sentence after the six-month sentence, and also ordered him to serve one year of supervised release and pay a fine of $500 and a special assessment of $25.
On September 20, 2016, Robinson pleaded guilty to providing contraband in prison and conflict of interest. According to documents filed in court, on April 5, 2013, Robinson received a cellular telephone along with $100 from an undercover agent and agreed to deliver the telephone to an inmate at Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility. Robinson delivered the telephone inside the prison. At the time of the event, Robinson was employed as a Corrections Officer with the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett Named Acting United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act, with the resignation of former United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe, First Assistant United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett has been named Acting United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands. In her capacity as Acting United States Attorney, Hewlett serves as the chief Federal law enforcement officer for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Hewlett has served in the United States Attorney’s Office since 1998. Prior to serving as First Assistant United States Attorney, she served as Chief of the Civil Division from 2006. In addition to her duties in the district, Hewlett serves on the Executive Office for U.S. Attorney’s Evaluation and Review Staff, which provides onsite management assistance to U.S. Attorney’s offices throughout the country to assure compliance and internal controls are met. She also served for a term of four years on the Civil Chief’s Working Group, a subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.
Prior to serving as an AUSA, Hewlett served as legal counsel with the Virgin Islands Legislature, Assistant Attorney General with the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Law Clerk to Territorial Court Presiding Judge Verne A. Hodge, and as an associate at Bryan Cave, an international law firm in Washington, D.C. She also served as president of the Virgin Islands Bar in 2006.
Hewlett is a 1986 graduate of the College of the Virgin Islands and a 1992 graduate of Howard University Law School. Prior to law school, Hewlett worked at the Virgin Islands Daily News as a news reporter and editor.
United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe has announced his resignation effective midnight on March 10, 2017. Mr. Sharpe served as United States Attorney since September 2009.
"To serve as United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands has been the highest honor of my professional career," Sharpe said. "Every day, I was inspired by the dedication of the attorneys and members of the United States Attorney’s Office, to do my best to represent the residents of the Virgin Islands and defend the rule of law. I am extremely proud of the work the United States Attorney’s Office has accomplished in and out of the courtroom, including building meaningful bonds of trust with the community we serve. I am confident that the extraordinary professionals of the United States Attorney’s Office will remain tirelessly devoted to the pursuit of justice on behalf of the residents of the Virgin Islands and our great nation."
Sharpe, a graduate of Tulane University and Stanford Law School, began his career with the U.S. Department of Justice in 1995, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia. Sharpe had previously served as First Assistant United States Attorney in the District of the Virgin Islands. During his tenure as United States Attorney, Sharpe served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), and on several subcommittees of the AGAC, including the Borders and Immigration Subcommittee and the Environmental Crimes Working Group. Sharpe also served as the chairperson of the Puerto Rico/USVI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
When he assumed the role of United States Attorney, Sharpe designated the top priorities of the District, including aggressively fighting public corruption, which historically has challenged law enforcement’s efforts to effectively address crime in the Virgin Islands. This focus led to significant prosecutions that have enabled federal and local law enforcement and other government institutions operating in the Virgin Islands to enforce the rule of law and strengthen their resistance to continued corruption. Some of the significant public corruption cases handled by the office over the past seven years include:
• Roberto Tapia, a former Director of Environmental Enforcement for the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), was sentenced to 70 months in prison for using DPNR as a criminal enterprise to engage in illegal drug trafficking activities including the possession and trafficking of numerous kilos of cocaine.
• Louis "Lolo" Willis, the former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Legislature, was sentenced to five years in prison for federal programs bribery and extortion under color of official right for accepting bribes from contractors.
• Alvin Williams, Jr., a former Virgin Islands senator, was sentenced to 52 months in prison in connection with his guilty plea to racketeering, that is, operating and participating in a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in illegal activities including bribing a Virgin Islands public official, soliciting and receiving bribes from numerous St. Thomas construction project developers, fraudulently soliciting and increasing staff members’ salaries, and using the increase of funds for his personal use.
• Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Captain Enrique Saldana, VIPD Sergeant George Green and civilian Luis Roldan were found guilty of the federal charges of conspiracy to commit extortion and extortion, and the Virgin Islands charges of conspiratorial extortion, extortion under color of official right, conflict of interest and solicitation and receipt of a bribe. Greene was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and Saldana was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. Prior to sentencing, Roldan was murdered.
• Former VIPD officers Enid Edwards and Francis Brooks were sentenced to 151 months in prison for operating a criminal enterprise ("RICO") as well as federal and territorial crimes related to extortion, bribery and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Former Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer Bill John- Baptiste was convicted of false imprisonment and kidnapping and sentenced to five years in prison.
Sharpe also made civil rights a priority in the Virgin Islands, focusing on removing barriers to access for persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). As a result of an investigation initiated by the United States Attorney’s Office, Caribbean Cinemas agreed to remedy potential violations of the ADA at its theaters by increasing accessible seating, making restrooms accessible and providing assisted-listening and closed-captioned systems for the hearing impaired.
With an emphasis on prevention, Sharpe helped foster a robust outreach program in the district. Projects included implementation of the United States Attorney’s Office Community Outreach Initiative, a series of community meetings throughout the Virgin Islands where members of law enforcement and social services groups engage in an open forum to discuss how criminal activity affecting their community, especially gun violence, can best be addressed. Participants in the Community Outreach Initiative included the Virgin Islands Police Department, ATF, DEA, FBI, the United States Marshals Service, Crime Stoppers, Virgin Islands Housing Authority, My Brothers Workshop and Weed & Seed St. Thomas and St. Croix. In addition, Sharpe encouraged greater community involvement, including a volunteer program with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Boys and Girls Club of the Virgin Islands.
The District of the Virgin Islands covers the Divisions of St. Thomas and St. John, and St. Croix. The United States Attorney’s Office has 15 attorneys and is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district involving the United States government.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Possession of Firearm by Drug UserRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch, on March 2, 2017, sentenced Dwayne Wesselhoft, 29, of St. Croix, to 24 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a drug user, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Finch also sentenced Wesselhoft to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a fine of $1,000 plus a special assessment of $100.
According to court records, on October 1, 2015, agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a consent search at Wesselhoft’s residence located on St. Croix. The search uncovered a 9mm Luger pistol in the master bedroom which Wesselhoft admitted was his. Agents also found a container with marijuana. Wesselhoft admitted to smoking two marijuana "joints" per day for the past five to six years.
The case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch, on March 2, 2017, sentenced Gamalier Rohlsen-Arizmendi, 24, of Puerto Rico, to 63 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Finch also sentenced Rohlsen-Arizmendi to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.
Rohlsen-Arizmendi had pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute on July 27, 2016. On November 12, 2015, he along with other co-conspirator arrived on St. Croix to retrieve a load of cocaine at sea. Law enforcement agents observed Rohlsen-Arizmendi leave St. Croix by boat on November 13, 2015. At about 1:30 a.m. the next day, law enforcement tracked the same boat returning to St. Croix to Knight’s Bay Beach. Upon arriving there, they located Rohlsen-Arizmendi with two of his co-conspirators in close proximity to four suitcases which contained 87 kilograms of cocaine. All three men were charged as part of a large drug conspiracy involving 15 defendants. Seven of them have entered guilty pleas. The others are scheduled for trial on April 25, 2017.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –Tomolah Foy, 23, of St. Thomas pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe.
According to the plea agreement, undercover agents purchased crack cocaine from Foy in December 2016 and on three separate occasions in November 2016. All purchases occurred in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez remanded Foy into the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2017.
Foy faces a maximum sentence of no more than twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Burglarizing a Post OfficeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –Selmo Watts, 34, of St. Thomas pleaded guilty in federal court today to breaking into a Post Office, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe.
According to the plea agreement, on November 27, 2016, Watts was seen on video surveillance entering the Arthuro A. Watlington, Sr. Post Office in French Town after he forced open a locked door. Watts was then seen carrying at least eight packages from the post office.
Sentencing for Watts is scheduled before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on July 6, 2017. Watts faces a sentence of no more than five years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Man Arrested for Arson at the U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment CenterRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Spencer Wayne Allen, 25, was arrested on February 28, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with maliciously damaging the U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment Center by means of fire, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. The U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment Center is located in the Nisky Shopping Center, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Allen made his initial appearance yesterday before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Today, after a preliminary hearing, the court found that there was probable cause to believe that Allen committed the offense and ordered Allen detained pending trial.
According to the complaint, the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) received a 911 call for a fire at the Nisky Shopping Center in the early morning hours of February 28, 2017. The Virgin Islands Police Department and Fire Service responded to the call to find the U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment Center engulfed in flames. As a result, the U.S. Navy and Marine Recruitment Center was completely destroyed. The Police and Fire Departments also responded to two related fires: one at the Ron De Lugo Federal Courthouse and another at the U.S. Coast Guard Station.
Arson, or maliciously damaging federal property by means of fire, carries a sentence of not less than 5 years in prison and up to a maximum term of 20 years.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency, Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Virgin Islands Fire Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tasheika Hinson.
United States Attorney Sharpe 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 Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Dimitrous Jefferson, 27, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today in federal court on St. Croix to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On May 4, 2016, Jefferson and co-defendant Ray Harris, were employees of Worldwide Flight Services at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. As they entered the Transportation and Security Administration’s screening area, Jefferson triggered the metal detector. A search of his person revealed a brick-like package wrapped with gray duct tape and strapped to his leg. Harris had a similar package strapped to his leg. Both packages tested positive for cocaine. The total weight of the packages was approximately 992 grams. Jefferson told law enforcement officers that he was assisting Harris, who pleaded guilty on February 17, 2017.
Jefferson faces up to 20 years of incarceration for the offense and a fine of up to $1,000,000. A sentencing date has been set for June 28, 2017. Co-defendant Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Woman of Participating in a Hobbs Act Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On February 23, 2017, Aracelis N. Ayala a/k/a "Gordita" a/k/a "Fluff," 34, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of robbery in the first degree, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Ayala faces up to 20 years on each of the Hobbs Act robbery and local robbery charges and a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of seven years for the brandishing of a firearm charge. Judge Curtis V. Gomez remanded Ayala into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending her sentencing on June 29, 2017.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Ayala was a member of a robbery crew that conspired to rob Signature Jewelers on August 19, 2015. Ayala conspired with other individuals to rob the store by providing cash and a handgun, renting a vehicle, and securing hotel rooms on St. Thomas. Upon entering the store, Ayala’s cohorts brandished a handgun to threaten the store employees and used duct tape to bind and gag them before fleeing with cash and merchandise.
Other members of the conspiracy, Turrel Thomas, 21, and Raheem Miller a/k/a "Caesar," 24, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and related firearm offenses. All defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing on June 22, 2017.
This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna A. Vlasova and Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Friday, February 17, 2017, Ray Harris, Jr., 23, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty in District Court to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2017.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 4, 2016, Harris, who was employed by Worldwide Flight Services at the Rohlsen Airport, entered the Transportation Security Administration screening area before his scheduled shift. As Harris attempted to pass through the screening area, the metal detector was triggered. A search of Harris revealed a brick-like package wrapped with gray duct tape and strapped to one of his legs. The package field-tested positive for cocaine. Harris admitted he knew the package contained cocaine and was planning to put the package in a checked bag headed to Puerto Rico. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance was cocaine. The net weight of the cocaine that Harris possessed was 473.4 grams.
Harris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Indicted for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment today charging Tomolah Foy, 23, of St. Thomas with four counts of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. On December 12, 2016, Foy made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and is on pretrial release.
According to the indictment, in November and December of 2016, the defendant sold and attempted to sell quantities of crack cocaine in the area of Red Hook within 1,000 feet of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
If convicted, Foy faces a maximum sentence of not more than 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $2,000,000, and at least six years of supervised release.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Sharpe 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.