District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Croix Woman Sentenced in $372,000.00 Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Nicole Morales, 48, a California native and resident of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 16 months incarceration following her guilty plea in November 2024, to three counts of wire fraud. Judge Lewis also ordered Morales to pay restitution in the amount of $372,496.34, and a special assessment in the amount of $300.00.
According to court records, in November 2015, Morales was employed by Nichols, Newman, Logan, Grey, and Lockwood, P.C., in St. Croix as the office manager where her duties included processing payroll through Banco Popular. In December 2015, Morales began fraudulently inflating her payroll using QuickBooks accounting software. Thereafter, Morales wired unauthorized funds from her employer’s Banco Popular account into three separate personal bank accounts owned by Morales. After transferring the funds to her personal accounts, Morales would change the inflated amounts in QuickBooks to reflect her correct income and payroll figures. Morales would later generate reports in QuickBooks with the correct payroll figures which were approved by her employer. Morales continued this conduct until January 2019, after having embezzled a total of $372,496.34 from her employer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston and Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Dominican Republic National Charged with Illegally Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Joan Tavarez
Bueno, 33, of the Dominican Republic, was charged with illegally entering the United States after
being previously removed.
According to court documents, on March 10, 2025, Tavarez Bueno was the passenger in a
vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement after Homeland Security Investigations received
information that a possible non-citizen was traveling from St. John by ferry and arriving at the Red
Hook Ferry Terminal in St. Thomas. Agents observed an individual matching Tavarez Bueno’s
description exiting the Red Hook Ferry Terminal and entering a vehicle parked at the terminal.
Agents later stopped the vehicle and detained Tavarez Bueno. A records check confirmed that
Tavarez Bueno was in the United States illegally and had been removed previously from the United
States on February 13, 2024. If convicted, Tavarez Bueno faces up to two years in prison.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the National Park
Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminalcomplaint is merely
an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt in a court of law.Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Shooting Mother and Minor DaughterRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Miguel Marrero, 52, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Assault in the First Degree, and Assault in the First Degree. For his conviction, Marrero faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Marrero's minor son was involved in a physical altercation with a minor female at the Candido Guadalupe Terrace housing community in St. Croix where they both reside. The mother of the minor female rushed to area to stop the altercation and confronted Marrero who watched as the minors fought. The minor female’s mother allegedly struck Marrero in the face, and as she attempted to leave the area, Marrero shot her in her back. Marrero then shot the minor female in her leg and ankle as she attempted to flee the area. The mother of the minor female suffered significant physical injuries as a result of the gunshot wound to her back and was airlifted off-island for medical treatment. In 2000, Marrero was convicted in federal court of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department investigated this case and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Bvi Man and Four Haitian Nationals Charged in Illegal Alien Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jose Miguel Hodge, 31, of the British Virgin Islands, was charged with alien smuggling. Also charged were Junia Orelus, 32, Clawens Destin, 18, and Jean Louis Martellus, 27, all of Haiti, and Eudys Santana Santos, 33, of the Dominican Republic, with unlawful entry into the United States.
According to court records, on February 7, 2025, Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations agents observed Hodge operating a vessel traveling from BVI waters and later arriving at Annaberg Bay, St. John, without navigational lights. The agents intercepted and boarded Hodge’s vessel and found Orelus, Destin and Metellus, all illegal aliens, onboard. Santana Santos, also an illegal alien, was found at Annaberg Bay waiting to provide transportation to at least one of the illegal migrant onboard Hodge’s vessel.
This case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Jury Convicts Dominican Republic National of Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal jury convicted Omaily Sanchez Taveras, 36, of the Dominican Republic, of alien smuggling after a two-day trial. For his conviction, Taveras faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of incarceration and a maximum fine of $250,000.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 13, 2024, federal authorities received a tip of a suspicious vessel in the Fortuna Bay area of St. Thomas with what appeared to be aliens on board. Custom and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction agents traveled to the area and encountered the vessel dead in the water near West Cay. On board the vessel were four Romanians, four Dominican Republic nationals and two were Brazilians who all paid Taveras to take them to Culebra, Puerto Rico.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard E. Potter and Denise N. George.
Bvi Man Sentenced in Illegal Alien Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Danny Dennevil, alias Danny Dorcine-Turnbull, 34, of Tortola, BVI, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy to 92 days of imprisonment following his plea of guilty to the charge of illegally bringing aliens to the United States.
According to court documents, on September 25, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents were patrolling United States waters in the area of Leinster Bay, St. John, when they observed a small vessel traveling from the British Virgin Islands towards Leinster Bay without navigational lights, as required by law. Agents observed the vessel, operated by Dennevil, arrive at Leinster Bay and two individuals disembarked. Agents intercepted Dennevil’s vessel as he attempted to flee, while agents at Leinster Bay apprehended two Dominican Republic nationals who disembarked the vessel. Neither individual had legal status to be present in the United States. When questioned by the agents, Dennevil, himself a Dominican Republic national with Belonger status in the British Virgin Islands, admitted that he knew that Leinster Bay was not a legal port of entry and that his two passengers were citizens of the Dominican Republic.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the United States Coast Guard and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.
Former Police Commissioner and Former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget Charged in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Ray Martinez, the former police commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O’Neal, the former director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget, with participating in a bribery and money laundering conspiracy. Both defendants made their initial court appearances today in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to court documents, Martinez, 56, and O’Neal, 53, both of St. Thomas, accepted bribes from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker. The indictment alleges that the scheme began in at least November 2022 and continued until June 2024, with O’Neal joining the scheme no later than January 2024. The defendants also allegedly conspired to launder proceeds from the bribery scheme through a monetary transaction to pay rent on O’Neal’s coffee shop. In exchange for the bribes paid by the government contractor, Martinez and O’Neal, among other official acts, allegedly agreed to approve fraudulently inflated invoices and assist with obtaining payment for those invoices by the Virgin Islands to Whitaker. Martinez also agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a $1.48 million contract to provide services to the VIPD in October 2023. Additionally, after the investigation was originally made public, Martinez allegedly obstructed the investigation by encouraging Whitaker to destroy evidence associated with Martinez’s criminal activity and produced falsified documents in response to a subpoena.
Martinez and O’Neal are each charged with five counts of honest services wire fraud, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Martinez is also charged with two counts of obstruction of justice, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for the District of the Virgin Islands; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Steve Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Police Commissioner and Former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget Charged in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Ray Martinez, the former police commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O’Neal, the former director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget, with participating in a bribery and money laundering conspiracy. Both defendants made their initial court appearances today in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to court documents, Martinez, 56, and O’Neal, 53, both of St. Thomas, accepted bribes from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker. The indictment alleges that the scheme began in at least November 2022 and continued until June 2024, with O’Neal joining the scheme no later than January 2024. The defendants also allegedly conspired to launder proceeds from the bribery scheme through a monetary transaction to pay rent on O’Neal’s coffee shop. In exchange for the bribes paid by the government contractor, Martinez and O’Neal, among other official acts, allegedly agreed to approve fraudulently inflated invoices and assist with obtaining payment for those invoices by the Virgin Islands to Whitaker. Martinez also agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a $1.48 million contract to provide services to the VIPD in October 2023. Additionally, after the investigation was originally made public, Martinez allegedly obstructed the investigation by encouraging Whitaker to destroy evidence associated with Martinez’s criminal activity and produced falsified documents in response to a subpoena.
Martinez and O’Neal are each charged with five counts of honest services wire fraud, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Martinez is also charged with two counts of obstruction of justice, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for the District of the Virgin Islands; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Steve Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and Co-Conspirator Charged in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Calvert White, the commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (SP&R), and Benjamin Hendricks, a local businessman, with participating in a bribery scheme. Both defendants made their initial court appearances today in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to court documents, White, 49, of St. Thomas, solicited and accepted a bribe from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, 62, also of St. Thomas, who acted as an intermediary. The indictment alleges that the scheme began in at least December 2023 and continued until June 2024. In exchange for the bribe paid by Whitaker, White allegedly agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a $1.43 million contract with SP&R. White, amongst other acts, allegedly provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. Hendricks allegedly served as a middleman for the payments and facilitated the bribery scheme.
White and Hendricks are each charged with one count of honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for the District of the Virgin Islands; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Steve Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and Co-Conspirator Charged in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Calvert White, the commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (SP&R), and Benjamin Hendricks, a local businessman, with participating in a bribery scheme. Both defendants made their initial court appearances today in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to court documents, White, 49, of St. Thomas, solicited and accepted a bribe from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, 62, also of St. Thomas, who acted as an intermediary. The indictment alleges that the scheme began in at least December 2023 and continued until June 2024. In exchange for the bribe paid by Whitaker, White allegedly agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a $1.43 million contract with SP&R. White, amongst other acts, allegedly provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. Hendricks allegedly served as a middleman for the payments and facilitated the bribery scheme.
White and Hendricks are each charged with one count of honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for the District of the Virgin Islands; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Steve Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- Colombian National Faces Deportation After Illegal Smuggling Conviction
Three Ecuadorian Nationals Sentenced in 1,261 Kilogram Cocaine Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Mario Montano Camacho, 41, and Juan Ignacio Reyes Delgado, 48, both of Ecuador, were each sentenced to 78 months of incarceration by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine While on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. A third defendant, Edison Quijije Cuzme, 35, also of Ecuador, was sentenced to 78 months earlier this month following his guilty plea to the same charge. All three defendants are subject to deportation after serving their prison sentences.
According to court documents, on December 22, 2023, while on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Resolute intercepted a go-fast vessel approximately 110 nautical miles west of Ecuador. The vessel was in international waters traveling at a high rate of speed with no flag being flown and displaying no indicia of nationality. Coast Guard officials further observed that, while pursuing the vessel, the occupants were throwing packages overboard. The go-fact vessel was subdued and treated as one without nationality after the Ecuadorian government could neither confirm nor deny its nationality. Several packages containing approximately 1,261 kilograms of cocaine were later recovered from the ocean.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yasir Sadat. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Gang Leader Ivan James Sentenced T0 420 Months on Drug Conspiracy and Possession of Firearms Used to Murder Rival Gang MemberRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ivan James, 40, Joh Williams, 38, Malachi Benjamin, 28, Ariel Petersen, 28, and Jahkiebo Joseph, 26, all of St. Croix, were sentenced by District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy led by Ivan James from his Estate LaGrange compound in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
“The Ivan James Organization was a violent and lawless gang that terrorized and victimized the people of the Virgin Islands for over a decade,” stated United States Attorney Delia Smith. “The tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections delivered the ultimate reward to the people of St. Croix – just and lengthy sentences of imprisonment to those involved. These sentences demonstrate that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners are committed to combating the threat of gang violence”, Smith said.
“The sentencing of Ivan James to 420 months of incarceration should send a powerful message: justice will prevail against those who threaten the safety and stability of our communities. This victory is a testament to the relentless commitment and seamless collaboration between federal and local law enforcement. Together, we are dismantling violent criminal networks and transnational drug organizations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, ensuring that those who sow violence and chaos will face the full weight of the law” stated Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster, DEA Caribbean Division.
“These sentences speak volume and are credited to the extensive collaboration between federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands towards combatting violent crimes and illicit activities of transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos.
According to evidence introduced at trial, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized an iPhone from then inmate Joh Williams. Asearch of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed text messages related to smuggling and distribution of narcotics in the prison. Thereafter, Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept
calls from a second cell phone used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of cocaine and marijuana distribution within the facility by Williams which was supplied by Ivan James. The investigation further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams.At trial, Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz, Jr. testified they were members of the James’ drug trafficking organization. Ceaser testified that between 2015 and 2018, she used her secured access at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix to smuggled approximately six kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts destined for the continental United States. Ceaser further testified that she recruited couriers, including Ortiz, because Kai James wanted to increase the number of bricks of cocaine being smuggled through the airport. Trial evidence further revealed that, during the course of the conspiracy, Ivan James and Kai James caused several hundred kilograms of cocaine to be smuggled to the mainland utilizing the operation at the airport.
Cooperating witness, Robert Brown, a member of a rival racketeering enterprise led by Paul Girard, testified that Vivian Ford traveled from St. Croix to St. Thomas on several occasions to purchase kilogram quantities of cocaine from Keith Lewis on behalf of Ivan James and Kai James. Brown further testified that Ivan James ordered members of his gang, including Jermaine Williams, to rob Brown of five kilograms of cocaine and that Brown was pistol whipped by Williams during the attack. In retaliation, Brown murdered Williams as he sat in his vehicle in the parking lot of his child’s preschool. Thereafter, in March 2016, Ivan James ordered members of his gang to murder Brown in retaliation for Williams’ murder. On March 14, 2016, Brown and another individual were ambushed by at least three gunmen as their vehicle exited the Good Hope community. Both occupants sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived the attacked. Brown pled guilty to Williams’ murder and faces a sentence of life imprisonment on his conviction.
On May 25, 2017, one day after Joh Williams was released from Golden Grove correctional Facility, Virgin Islands Police officers responded to a shooting at D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace, where they found an unresponsive adult male, later identified as Levar Pogson, a rival gang member. An eyewitness testified at trial that Ivan James, Joh Williams, and an individual identified as “Fire” approached the playground at D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace and that James and Williams were armed with a handgun and a rifle. The witness testified that James and Williams stood over Pogson’s body and fired more than 50 times. A medical examiner testified that Pogson sustained 78 gunshots wounds to his head, neck, torso and extremities.
Testimony at trial further revealed that on July 14, 2017, federal agents conducted a marijuana eradication operation at James’ LaGrange Compound in St. Croix after discovering six marijuana grow sites on the property. At trial, the government introduced a social media posting made on July 14, 2017, by Ivan James as he confronted law enforcement during the marijuana eradication. In the video, James called the agents “thieves” and stated they “gone with a thousand.” The official count of the marijuana plants seized from the James compound was 1,005. Thereafter, on August 3, 2017, federal agents executed a search warrant on James’ LaGrange compound where they seized a loaded Glock 22 .40 firearm, a loaded .223 caliber Olympic arms AR-15 rifle with two magazines attached, two loaded .40 caliber pistols, and an AK-47 rifle. Forensic analysis later revealed that Ivan James’ DNA was found on the Glock 22 pistol and the Olympic Arms AR-15 rifle. Ballistic testing further revealed that the shell casings collected from Pogson’s homicide crime scene on May 25, 2017, matched the casings fired from the Glock 22 pistol and Olympic Arms AR-15 rifle seized from James’ compound on August 3, 2017.
A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting in the death of Legar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen, and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to 93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced to 68 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz, Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Williams was acquitted on the firearm possession resulting in Pogson’s death and James and Williams were acquitted on the local charge of first-degree murder. The trial of Kai James is scheduled for January 22, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections and was prosecuted by United States Attorney Delia Smith and Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Adam Sleeper. The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Production of Child Pornography and Second-Degree Rape ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Dante James, 28, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma Lewis to 180 months on production of child pornography and 84 months on second-degree rape, to run concurrently, followed by 10 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment and fined $8,000. James was found guilty by a federal jury on July 12, 2024.
“Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
“The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust”, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas said. As the victim’s former steel pan instructor, James abused her trust to be a role model and a leader. HSI will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that predators who prey on minors in our community are convicted of their crimes.”
According to evidence presented at trial, between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old minor. James produced a video recording of the sexual act with the minor with the use of an electronic device that was shipped in interstate and foreign commerce. The minor victim learned of the recording after James sent it to her via Snapchat. Though the victim asked James to delete the video, it was subsequently posted on social media.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Coercing a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Juan Bermudez, 66, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Coercion and Enticement and Possession of Child Pornography. On his conviction, Bermudez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“This case is a painful reminder of the inherent dangers the children of our Territory face every day. We must all work together as a community to report individuals committing sexual abuse. The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate and pursue justice for those who misuse their positions of trust to sexually abuse our children”, United States Attorney Smith said.
According to documents filed in court, on May 1, 2023, Bermudez engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor victim who was over the age of 13, but under the age of 18 years. Bermudez filmed the sexual act on his cell phone. A search warrant executed on Bermudez’s cell phone revealed multiple images of child sexual abuse material of the minor victim. Court documents further revealed text messages between Bermudez and the minor victim wherein the minor victim asked for help to complete a task and Bermudez responded by asking when he was going to get the “Cookie”. Bermudez further declared that if he assisted the minor victim with completing the task, he “want some Cookie” for two days. When the minor victim pleaded for help from Bermudez, he made the minor victim promise that she would give him her “Cookie.” Bermudez admitted that when he used the term “Cookie”, he was referring to the minor victim’s vagina.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc. Homeland Security Investigations encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (800) 981-3030 or by calling (787) 729-6969.
Red Hook Drug Dealer Sentenced on Cocaine Distribution ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Niah Henry, 35, of St. Thomas, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy to six months incarceration followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in court, on December 6, 2023, Henry sold cocaine to an undercover agent during a joint operation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department. During the investigation, law enforcement identified Henry as part of a broader network responsible for distributing narcotics in the Red Hook area which is approximately 800 feet from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.
Jet Ski Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Emmanuel Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 33, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine before United States Magistrate G. Alan Teague. Rodriguez-Rodriguez, along with Jose Torres-Russi, Ben Carrasquillosanto, Jose Martes-Gonzalez, Wilfredo Vazquez-Lopez, Jonathan Fernandez Montesino, Esteban Borrome Diaz, Smarling Villilo De Los Santo, and Guillermo Morales, were indicted on drug trafficking conspiracy and related charges for the December 11, 2021, cocaine smuggling operation between St. Thomas and Culebra, PR and St. Thomas. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court records, on December 11, 2021, Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine Operations officers observed four jet skis traveling from Culebra, Puerto Rico, towards Mermaid’s Chair Beach located at Botany Bay, St. Thomas, where four individuals were awaiting their arrival. Officers later observed duffle bags being loaded onto the jet skis after which the jet skis quickly departed Mermaid’s Chair Beach and headed back in the direction of Culebra. The officers also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked at Mermaid’s Chair Beach while the transaction was ongoing. Officer pursued the four jet skis as they sped towards Culebra. One jet ski operator abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot but left behind a duffle bag containing 26 kilograms of cocaine. Officers later apprehended jet ski operators Torres-Russi, Carrasquillosanto and Martes-Gonzalez. The remaining six defendants, including Rodriguez Rodriguez, were apprehended by federal agents as their vehicle attempted to exit the gated community at Botany Bay, St. Thomas. During their arrests, agents recovered two Glock pistols, one with an obliterated serial number, in the defendants’ vehicle.
This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Advises Virgin Islands Community That Cockfighting Is Prohibited by Federal LawRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith advises residents of the Virgin Islands that the Agricultural Improvement Act (P.L. 115-334), which has been in effect since December 20, 2019, prohibits animal fighting in the United States, including its Territories.
U.S. Attorney Smith reminds cockfighting promoters that animal fighting is a felony that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Since 2002, federal law has prohibited any shipment of fighting birds to the Territory from the mainland United States. Smith further notes that “federal law prohibits a wide range of activities associated with animal fighting ventures, including knowingly sponsoring, exhibiting, or attending these events.” An animal fighting venture is one that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between at least two animals for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. The law further prohibits the selling, buying, training, transporting, shipping, delivering or receiving of animals for fighting, and the trafficking in knives or gaffs used on birds.
Despite federal law prohibiting animal fighting, law enforcement agencies in our community continue to receive recent reports that cockfighting matches are ongoing. U.S. Attorney Smith noted that animal fighting prosecutions in the United States often have a close correlation to other criminal activities, including violent crime, firearms offenses and mail fraud. “Cockfighting is illegal and potentially dangerous. We must therefore continue our commitment to keeping our community safe”, U.S. Attorney Smith said.
To report information about cockfighting or other animal fighting crimes, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations at (787) 754-6000, or the United Stated Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, hotline at (800) 424-9121 or at https://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm.
1,295 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized by the United States Coast GuardRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Julio Contreras Bueno and Christian Garay Ochoa, both of Mexico, appeared before Magistrate G. Alan Teague for their initial appearance after being charged by Indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court records, on September 5, 2024, during a routine patrol in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, a Royal Canadian Naval ship with a United States Coast Guard detachment onboard intercepted a go-fast vessel after it was sighted approximately 427 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The vessel, which was dead in the water floating adrift with bales visible on the deck, displayed no indicia of nationality and had no flag flown. The Coast Guard detachment conducted a right of visit boarding on the vessel as it was suspected of illicit maritime activity. The vessel had a large hole in its bow and Julio Contreras Bueno, Christian Garay Ochoa, and Francisco Hernandez Penaloza were found onboard. A claim of Mexican nationality was made by the crew, but the Mexican government could neither confirm nor deny nationality of the vessel. The vessel was therefore determined to be one without nationality, thus subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. A search of the vessel revealed 35 bales consistent with contraband. Two presumptive tests were conducted on packages inside the bales, which proved positive for cocaine. The contraband was removed, and the vessel was sunk due to the damage to the hull. The initial appearance of Hernandez Penaloza will be scheduled before Magistrate Teague pending his removal from the Southern District of California. If convicted, they face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal Indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Women Pleads Guilty to $372,000.00 Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Nicole Morales, 48, of Altadena, CA, and native of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III, to three counts of Wire Fraud. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 19, 2025, where Morales faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court records, on November 10, 2015, Morales began working as the Office Manager at Nichols, Newman, Logan, Grey, and Lockwood, P.C. in St. Croix, where her duties included processing payroll through Banco Popular. Beginning on December 31, 2015, Morales began fraudulently inflating her payroll using QuickBooks accounting software. Thereafter, Morales wired unauthorized funds from her employer’s Banco Popular account into three separate personal bank accounts owned by Morales. After transferring the funds, Morales would change the inflated amounts in QuickBooks to reflect her correct income and payroll figures. Morales would later generate reports in QuickBooks with the correct payroll figures which were approved by her employer. Morales continued this conduct until January 11, 2019. In total, Morales embezzled $372,496.34 from her employer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty After Threatening to Murder Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a Jamoi Weekes, 30, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Influencing Federal Officials by Threats. Weekes’ sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2025, where he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on August 31, 2024, Weekes attempted to board a flight at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Weekes was referred to Customs and Border Protection for a secondary inspection before boarding his flight. Weekes then became extremely irate and combative and began threatening to murder and retaliate against the officers if he ever saw them again. Weekes was then determined to be unsuitable to board his flight and was ordered to leave the airport. While exiting the airport, Weekes encountered two Virgin Islands Port Authority officers who he also threatened to murder. Rather than leave the airport, Weekes then followed two Customs and Border Protection officers from the airport terminal to the parking lot and again threatened to murder the officers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Protection and Virgin Islands Port Authority and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Huston.
Grenadian Man Sentenced on Drug Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Rodney Dennis de Roche, 39, of Grenada, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 37 months imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment, after he pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess a Cocaine with Intent to Distribute While on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court records, on November 14, 2023, during their patrol in international waters in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, approximately 116 nautical miles West of Fort de France, Martinique, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Diligence intercepted the motor vessel Jackie Boy in a known drug trafficking area, bearing no indicia of nationality. The Jackie Boy was non-compliant with commands from the Coast Guard to stop and the occupants of the vessel, including de Roche, Adel Munro, Arim Boniface, alias Arkim Boniface, Dave Compton, Kevin Francis and Darryl Pope, began jettisoning numerous packages tied to sandbags overboard. Coast Guard officers later retrieved approximately 32 kilograms of cocaine from the ocean and six occupants, including de Roche, were taken into custody.
The master of the vessel claimed Grenadian nationality for the vessel and Grenadian officials confirmed its nationality and granted a waiver of jurisdiction thereby subjecting this matter to the jurisdiction of the United States. All six defendants pleaded guilty to the cocaine trafficking conspiracy. On August 28, 2024, Reinoza was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment, and are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Names District Election Officer to Oversee Election Day ComplaintsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Huston will lead the efforts for the District regarding the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. Huston has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer and, in that capacity, will be responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers and election fraud and will address these violations wherever they occur. Our longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
“Every citizen must be free to cast his/her vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” United States Attorney Smith said. “Moreover, election officials and staff must be allowed to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” United States Attorney Smith said. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Huston will be on duty in this District while the polls are open and can be reached by the public at 340-773-3920.” The FBI will also have special agents available in each field office to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day and can be reached by the public at 340-777-3363. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form found at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by calling 800-253-3931.“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” United States Attorney Smith said. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. The Virgin Islands Police Department has primary jurisdiction over polling places and can react sooner in an emergency.
Convicted Felon Charged with Unlawful Possession a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jahmar Frederick, 31, of St. Croix, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after having been convicted of felony offenses.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2024, Virgin Islands Police Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop after Frederick was observed operating a Ford F-150 pickup truck with no license plate. Frederick fled from VIPD officers and ultimately lost control of his vehicle and slid off the roadway. Frederick then placed a ski-mask over his face and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. Officers recovered a loaded Glock Model 22 Gen4 .40 Caliber firearm after taking Frederick into custody. In 2023, Frederick was convicted of obtaining money by false pretenses, and in 2018, he was convicted of forgery, both felonies. If convicted, Frederick faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. A district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.New Jersey Woman Charged with Smuggling Narcotics Through Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ceestra Burgess, 23, of Irvington, New Jersey was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2024, Burgess arrived in St. Croix on a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale. During an inspection of Spirit Airlines luggage, a Customs and Border Protection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in Burgess’ checked bag. The luggage was then placed on the baggage claim carousel and later removed by Burgess. A search of Burgess’ luggage revealed several vacuum sealed packages wrapped in Christmas paper which contained approximately 12 kilograms of marijuana. If convicted, Burgess faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by Custom and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bvi Man Detained Pending Trial in Human Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Danny Dennevil, 34, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, will remain in federal custody pending trial on charges related to a human smuggling operation. On September 26, 2024, Dennevil was charged with illegally bringing aliens to the United States and failure to heave to law enforcement.
According to court documents, on September 25, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and United States Coast Guard officers intercepted a vessel crossing the international border from the BVI into United States Territory. The unlit vessel, operated by Dennevil, traveled from Tortola, BVI to Leinster Bay, St. John where it offloaded two individuals on the beach. Dennevil immediately departed Leinster Bay and headed back towards Tortola. Officers were forced to disable Dennevil’s vessel after he refused to comply with orders to stop the vessel. Thereafter, officers detained Dennevil and two Dominican Republic nationals who were found on the Leinster Bay trail. Dennevil later admitted to the officers that he smuggled the two Dominican nationals from Tortola to St. John knowing that it was illegal for him to do so. United States Magistrate Allan Teague detained Dennevil and the two Dominican nationals following today’s detention hearing.
This case is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Indicted After Threatening to Murder Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jamoi Weekes, 30, of St. Croix, with making threats to assault and murder federal and local law enforcement officers.
“Heinous threats of violence that target our partners in law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Smith. “Law enforcement officials must be free to perform their duties without fear or intimidation, and as evidenced in the case against Weekes, we will steadfastly prosecute threats against public servants and aggressively seek penalties against those who engage in such abhorrent crimes.”
According to court documents, on August 31, 2024, Weekes attempted to board a flight at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Weekes was referred to Customs and Border Protection for a secondary inspection before boarding his flight. Weekes then became extremely irate and combative and began threatening to murder and retaliate against the officers if he ever saw them again. Weekes was then determined to be unsuitable to board his flight and was ordered to leave the airport. While exiting the airport, Weekes encountered two Virgin Islands Port Authority officers who he also threatened to murder. Rather than leave the airport, Weekes then followed two Customs and Border Protection officers from the airport terminal to the parking lot and again threatened to murder the officers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Drug Trafficker Sentenced in Cocaine Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Leroy Roebuck Jr., 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 97 months incarceration, three years of supervised release, a fine of $2,000.00, and a $100.00 special assessment, following his guilty plea to Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2023, Roebuck arranged for the sale of 60 kilograms of cocaine to an undercover agent at a cost of $900,000.00. On April 26, 2023, Roebuck contacted the undercover agent and agreed to sell the agent 50 kilograms of cocaine after he discovered that the remaining 10 kilograms were of poor quality. Thereafter, on April 26, 2023, Roebuck and an unidentified individual arrived at a predetermined location to complete the sale of the cocaine. Roebuck asked the undercover agent if he wanted to see the cocaine, after which he showed the agent four containers that held varying quantities of individually wrapped bricks of cocaine. Roebuck was then placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Costa Rican Man Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Mainor Salazar Montero, 35, of Costa Rica, was sentenced to 63 months incarceration by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court records, on November 26, 2020, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a vessel in international waters approximately 115 nautical miles from Isla Malpelo, Colombia. The vessel had no flag flown nor registration documents and was therefore determined to be a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. On board the vessel were multiple fuel canisters and 333 kilograms of cocaine. Also on board were Salazar-Montero, Eleuterio Murillo Gomez and Randar Vasquez Munoz. Murillo Gomez and Vasquez Munoz also pleaded guilty to cocaine conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2024.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
- St. Thomas Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in $2.1 Million Dollar Cocaine Seizure Case
Dominican Republic Man Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Rafael Martinez, 31, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy to 70 months incarceration following his conviction on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States charges.
According to court documents, on August 30, 2021, a United States Coast Guard Cutter intercepted two go-fast vessels traveling in international waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Onboard the vessels were Martinez, Carlos De La Rosa, Elvis Manuel Rodriguez, and Alexis Sanchez-Garcia. As the Coast Guard Cutter approached the vessels, the occupants were observed throwing bales of cocaine into the ocean. From one vessel, the Coast Guard seized 444 kilograms of cocaine wrapped in white burlap sacks but attempts to recover the bales that were thrown overboard from the second vessel were unsuccessful. On July 2, 2024, Chief Judge Molloy sentenced De La Rosa, Rodriguez, and Sanchez-Garcia to 70 months incarceration on their cocaine conspiracy convictions.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bvi Man Sentenced in Alien Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Lorenzo Ortis Charles, 36, a resident of the British Virgin Islands, was sentenced by Chief Judge Robert Molloy to over 5 months incarceration on his conviction on bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2024, Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a vessel traveling from Tortola, BVI, and entering United States waters. The vessel was operating without navigational lights when it entered Leinster Bay, St, John. On board the vessel were six occupants, including Charles who was determined to be the captain. Neither Charles nor his five occupants received legal authorization to enter the United States. Charles now awaits deportations proceedings as he remained in custody from his February 26, 2024, arrest.
This was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.
St. Thomas Man Indicted on Gun and Drug Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging N’Kel Morton, 30, of St. Thomas, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal firearm possession.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2023, a Drug Enforcement Administration undercover agent purchased cocaine from Morton in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas. At the time of his arrest, Morton, who was on supervised release following his prior federal firearm conviction, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in a School ZoneRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jimmar A. Payne, 31, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III, to Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for December 12, 2024, where Payne faces a maximum sentence of five years' incarceration. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2023, Virgin Islands Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Payne’s vehicle on the Melvin Evans Highway in the vicinity of the Ricardo Richards Elementary School for failure to display a visible rear license plate. Officers later observed a handgun protruding from under the driver’s seat of Payne’s vehicle. Payne did not have a license to possess the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see:
https://www.justice.gov/psn.Georgia Man Charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy in Connection with PPP Loan ScamRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Raynaldo Oquendo, 38, of Georgia, was charged by indictment with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy in connection with a fraudulent PPP loan scam.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act was a federal law enacted in or around March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $849 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP''). In order to obtain a PPP loan, qualifying businesses were required to submit a loan application, signed by an authorized representative of the business. The loan application required the business to acknowledge the program rules and make certain affirmative certifications in order to be eligible to obtain the PPP loan. In the PPP loan application, the small business was required to state its average monthly payroll expenses and its number of employees, among other things. These figures were used to calculate the amount of money the small business was eligible to receive under the PPP.
According to court documents, a loan application was submitted on behalf of a Virgin Islands business, Shama’s Specialties, in July of 2020. The owner of that business, Mashama Ferdinand, worked with Oquendo to submit an application that included material misrepresentations. Specifically, the application fraudulently claimed that Ferdinand employed 15 employees and earned a quarterly payroll of $460,079.82. Based on these fraudulent misrepresentations, a PPP loan was awarded to Shama’s Specialties in the amount of $383,397.00. For his role, Oquendo received approximately $30,000.00 after the proceeds of the loan were deposited into Shama’s Specialties’ bank account. If convicted, Oquendo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. In 2022, Ferdinand was sentenced by Chief Judge Robert Molloy to 33 months incarceration her guilty plea to wire fraud.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yasir Sadat.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Jamaican Nationals Indicted in Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Miguel Orr, 29, Rayvon Smith, 21, Sherland Campbell, 39 and Romaine Betty, 29, all of Jamaica, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a vessel located approximately 14 nautical miles off the coast of Haiti. Onboard the vessel were the four defendants and approximately 3,700 pounds of marijuana which was hidden in a compartment of the vessel.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Homeland Security Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican Republic Man Charged with Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Santos Jiminez Caraballo, 42, of the Dominican Republic, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, between November 2021 and December 2, 2021, Caraballo negotiated the sale of cocaine to an undercover federal agent. On December 2, 2021, Caraballo met the undercover agent in an undisclosed location of St. Thomas to complete the sale of 10 kilograms cocaine. Caraballo later fled the scene, first by car and then by foot, leaving behind the 10 kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. If convicted, Caraballo faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Colombian Man Charged with Illegal Reentry and Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging William Giraldo Cabanzo, 59, of Columbia, with Reentry of a Removed Alien and Unlawful Bringing of Aliens into the United States. Cabanzo, was previously removed from the United States on April 3, 2021, for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of his removal, he was barred from reapplying for entry into the United States for five years.
According to court documents, in June 2024, federal agents apprehended Cabanzo after he was observed exiting a vehicle in the Charlotte Amalie area of St. Thomas. He later admitted to having reentered the United States Virgin Islands in May 2024. In addition to the illegal reentry charge, Cabanzo was also charged with unlawfully bringing a family from Venezuela into the United States in April 2024. According to court documents, Cabanzo contacted the Venezuelan family and agreed to assist them in entering the United States illegally. He initially charged the family $4,000.00 for his services and, upon their arrival at his residence in Tortola, BVI, Cabanzo demanded an additional $4,000.00 to arrange their transportation to the United States. On May 15, 2024, after receiving the payments, Cabanzo arranged the family’s travel from Tortola, BVI to St. Thomas, where they entered the United States illegally.
The charges against Cabanzo highlight the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to prevent the illegal reentry of previously removed aliens, and to combat human smuggling activities that pose a significant threat to national security. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Cocaine Distribution Following Undercover OperationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Niah Henry, 35, Peter Francis, 33, and Kenson Plasimond, 42, all of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. Their sentencing dates will be set by the court.
According to court documents, between December 5, 2023, and December 7, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department utilized an undercover agent to conduct purchases of cocaine and oxycodone in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas. During that time, Henry, Francis and Plasimond negotiated cocaine sales with the undercover agent and thereafter sold quantities of cocaine to the agent. For their convictions, Henry, Francis and Plasimond all face maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.
These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods as part of a collaborative operation under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force Initiative.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Man on Production of Child Pornography and Second-Degree RapeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal jury convicted Dante James, 28, of St. Croix, on production of child pornography and second-degree rape charges. James awaits sentencing on a date to be set by District Judge Wilma Lewis. For his conviction, James faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years incarceration on the federal production of child pornography charge, and a maximum of 10 years incarceration on the local second-degree rape charge.
“Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
“The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust”, said Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas. As the victim’s former steel pan instructor, James abused her trust to be a role model and a leader. HSI will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that predators who prey on minors in our community are convicted of their crimes.”
According to evidence presented at trial, between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexually explicit conduct with a 16-year-old minor. James produced a video recording of the sexual acts with the minor with the use of devices shipped in interstate and foreign commerce. The victim only learned of the recording after it was posted on social media, and immediately reported the incident to the Virgin Islands Police Department and provided them with a copy of the video.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Brothers on Felons in Possessions of Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal jury convicted Romeo Walter, 42, and Kenan Thomas, 37, of St. Thomas, of federal and local firearms charges following a six-day trial. Federally, Walter and Thomas were convicted on felon in possession of firearms, and locally, the brothers were convicted on unauthorized possession of firearms. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy scheduled the defendants’ sentencings for October 25, 2024.
According to evidence admitted at trial, on April 8, 2020, Virgin Islands Police Department officers were patrolling the Hospital Ground neighborhood in St. Thomas due to recent shootings, including a homicide earlier the same day. The officers entered the “Jah Yard” area of Hospital Ground and pursued a group of individuals, including Walter and Thomas, after the group fled on foot. Surveillance video captured Walter, Thomas, Akeem Julien and Nijontea Walker climbing over a railing and onto the patio of a neighborhood home with two black bags. The surveillance video showed Thomas passing a handgun from his waist to Julien who then placed the gun into a black duffle bag. The footage further showed Thomas leave the patio with two bags heading in one direction, while Julien and Walter traveled in the opposite direction and Walker followed. The officers chased Thomas to a small house in Jah Yard and placed him under arrest. In Thomas’ possession were two bags containing an AK-47 firearm with an obliterated serial number, a Glock 20, 10 mm handgun, a Glock 21, .45 caliber handgun, and an AR-15 firearm all loaded with numerous rounds of ammunition.
Walter, Julien, and Walker were later identified by the video surveillance. On April 19, 2020, Julien was arrested at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas attempting to board a flight to Los Angeles. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and was sentenced on November 21, 2023, to 30 months imprisonment. A reward for information led to the arrest of Walker on May 22, 2020. Walker pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on September 9, 2023. During the investigation, law enforcement provided a known DNA profile of Walter to compare to DNA found on the firearms which led to his arrest on September 3, 2020, in Oklahoma.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police
Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natasha Baker and Kyle PayneVirgin Islands Government Officials Charged in $4 Million Dollar HUD Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Department of Education Director of Maintenance, Davidson Charlemagne, 50, and his wife Sasha Charlemagne, 44, both of St. Croix, were arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the pair with government program fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charges former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson, 56, of St. Thomas, with criminal conflict of interest and making materially false statements.
“As alleged, these defendants exploited hurricane recovery efforts in order to develop and carry out a $4 million scheme to defraud taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith. “The indictment levied against these individuals sends a clear message that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners followed the money and will continue to hold public officials seeking to profit from natural disasters accountable for their crimes. I commend the diligent work done by Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General who worked tirelessly to uncover this conspiracy to defraud the citizens of our Territory.”
According to court documents, the charges stem from a two-year investigation involving a VIHFA contract for storage and management of wood that was shipped to the Territory to be used for the reconstruction of commercial and residential buildings following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. After both hurricanes, Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) mobilized resources, including a large consignment of wood, to rebuild public and private infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. As part of those efforts, VIHFA received funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to pay for the storage and management of the wood. Initially, VIHFA stored the St. Croix consignment of wood at Sunshine Mall in Frederiksted, St. Croix. However, in 2020, the owner of Sunshine Mall requested that the Government of the Virgin Islands remove the St. Croix woodpile from his commercial property.
On May 12, 2020, VIHFA issued a public request for proposals seeking bids for a contract to store and manage the woodpiles on both islands. On June 2, 2020, VIHFA received a proposed bid from ISG and D&S Trucking, a company owned and operated by Davidson Charlemagne, at a cost of $2,993,500.00, over a three-year period. The proposal included cost estimates for four employees, including a warehouse manager at $120,000.00 per year, a forklift driver at $100,000.00 per year, a shipping and receiving clerk at $80,000.00 per year, and an administrative staffer. These estimates for labor were vastly inflated and above the labor costs estimated by VIHFA. By comparison, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for forklift drivers, shipping and receiving clerks, and administrative support personnel average approximately $41,000.00 per year, and a manager of warehouse employees earns on average $64,000.00 per year.
As required by HUD and VIHFA, Charlemagne certified in the proposal that his company, D&S Trucking, had general and automotive insurance that expired on December 18, 2020. No evidence exists, however, that Charlemagne had insurance he claimed to have at the time he submitted the bid certification. Without insurance, Charlemagne’s company, D&S Trucking, was ineligible to serve as subcontractor on the woodpile storage and management contract. Charlemagne also failed to disclose in his bid that he was employed as Director of Maintenance for the Virgin Islands Department of Education or that he would be obtaining rent-free warehouse space at Henderson Elementary School, a property owned by the Virgin Islands Government. Essentially, ISG’s bid proposed that D&S Trucking would collect vastly inflated annual fees from one government agency to store and manage the St. Croix woodpile rent-free at another government agency where Charlemagne is employed.
VIHFA received a second request for proposal from Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery Group (“IDRG”), a company incorporated in the state of Texas, in response to VIHFA woodpile management contract. IDRG, however, was not registered with the federal government’s System for Award Management (“SAM”), a prerequisite for companies seeking government contracts, nor a Dun & Bradstreet (“DUNS”) account number. The absence of a SAM registration and DUNS account number should have raised significant red flags to VIHFA, the absence of which effectively rendered IDRG ineligible to be awarded a federal contract. The investigation later revealed that IDRG’s bid proposal was altered by unknown co-conspirators after it was submitted to VIHFA which resulted in IDRG’s bid being less competitive than ISG and D&S Trucking’s bid.
In June 2020, VIHFA COO Darin Richardson convened a Bid Evaluation Committee meeting to review the bids submitted by ISG and IDRG. On July 7, 2020, Richardson, who had total authority over all procurement and contract related decisions at VIHFA, gave ISG’s bid higher ratings across all technical factors, as compared to the bid submitted by IDRG. On January 27, 2021, Richardson formally awarded ISG and D&S Trucking the contract for the storage and management in the amount of $2,993,500.00, commencing on February 1, 2021, and ending January 31, 2024. Pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulations which govern all contracts utilizing federal funds, it was unlawful for Richardson to formally award the contract to ISG and D&S Trucking after evaluating and rating proposals from companies. Federal regulations contemplate a bifurcation of these two duties, and Richardson violated the regulations by performing both roles.
On February 1, 2021, Charlemagne, through ISG and D&S Trucking, began collecting payments from VIHFA averaging $83,000.00 per month. Charlemagne, in his capacity as Director of Maintenance for Department of Education, arranged for rent-free storage of the St. Croix woodpile at Henderson Elementary School. Despite receiving payments under the contact from February 2021, Charlemagne did not remove the St. Croix woodpile from Sunshine Mall to Henderson Elementary School until August 2021, seven months after he began receiving payments under the contract. Accordingly, Charlemagne received over $582,000.00 in payments from VIHFA before beginning any work that he had contractually agreed to perform. During the period of February 8, 2021, through November 3, 2022, ISG and D&S Trucking billed VIHFA $1,526,743.00 for labor costs despite paying only $461,379.00 in payroll costs to employees who were purportedly managing the St. Croix and St. Thomas woodpiles.
This sum represents a 331% profit to Charlemagne for labor under the contract. Moreover, of the $461,379.00 in payroll paid by D&S Trucking, $67,037.00 was paid to Sasha Charlemagne. No record exists with the Virgin Islands Department of Labor that Sasha Charlemagne has ever been employed with or earned a salary from D&S Trucking, as required by Virgin Islands Law. Charlemagne also reported hiring an additional 21 individuals to allegedly work under the terms of the woodpile contract on St. Croix and St. Thomas. However, no record exists with the Department of Labor that Charlemagne employed 21 individuals nor paid employer payroll taxes for those employees, as required by the laws of the Virgin Islands. The investigation further revealed that the Charlemagnes used federal funds to pay for a variety of personal and business expenditures, including over $365,000.00 in credit card bills, car loans, and bank lines of credit; approximately $100,000.00 in equipment purchases; over $120,000.00 in cash transfers to themselves; and over $35,000.00 on fireworks.
On June 7, 2021, while serving as COO, and in that capacity, managing and supervising all procurement related decisions for VIHFA, Richardson increased the value of ISG’s contract to $4,043,100.00. The purported justification for the $1,000,000.00 increase was that the length of the contract term was increased from 2.8 years to 3.0 years. This justification, however, was false as the contract term was originally set for a three-year term which would not have expired until January 2024, more two-and-a-half years later. Again, on August 20, 2021, while serving as COO of VIHFA, Richardson increased ISG’s contract to $4,319,816.50, an increase of $276,416.50 in two months. For a third time in eight months, Richardson, in his capacity as COO of VIHFA, again increased the value of ISG’s contract to $4,423,644.50, on October 13, 2021. On February 7, 2022, Richardson, while serving as COO for VIHFA, received a payment in the amount of $107,000.00 from ISG. On February 14, 2023, after resigning as COO from VIHFA, Richardson was interviewed by HUD Office of Inspector General during which he falsely stated that he had recused himself from all VIHFA matters related to ISG, and that he was pursuing a business relationship with ISG. Richardson’s statement was false as he was, in fact, instrumental reviewing and awarding ISG and D&S Trucking the woodpile contract. In fact, a review of relevant documents revealed that Richardson never executed any document with HUD nor VIHFA to formally recuse himself from matters related to ISG.
“The indictment related to theft of HUD disaster relief program funds meant to benefit low-income families is a signal that we take seriously allegations of illegally obtained taxpayer dollars through fraudulent schemes,” said HUD OIG Southeast Region Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, George Richardson. “HUD OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of HUD’s programs and to ensure vulnerable people in our communities are provided critical resources upon which they can rely.”
"The indictment and arrests announced today are a clear demonstration of the FBI's unwavering commitment to justice and the responsible use of government funds. We will not tolerate those who seek to defraud the government and hinder the crucial assistance for those in need. We will continue to vigorously pursue justice for the American people and ensure that disaster relief funds are used as intended," said Joseph Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. "We call on the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands to join us in this fight by reporting these crimes to our main line at 787-987-6500. Your tips are invaluable, and we assure you that we will do our utmost to protect your identity and investigate every lead."
“Our office is committed to investigating fraud across all SBA programs,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite. “We leverage our agent’s expertise to uncover complex fraud schemes, including those that arise during pandemic fraud investigations. Our collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners is essential in protecting taxpayer interests in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In January 2024, VIHFA renewed ISG’s woodpile contract for an additional three-year term with payments averaging over $120,000.00 per month to Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne. Since the inception of the contract in February 2021, VIHFA has paid ISG and D&S Trucking over $3,600,000.00 in federal funds, of which approximately $3,177,000.00 has been credited to bank accounts owned and controlled by Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne. The woodpiles in St. Croix and St. Thomas, however, remain almost entirely unused and stacked on pallets outdoors and exposed to the elements for more than three years, and homes across the Territory remain in need of repairs from damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
This case is being investigated by Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye.
U.S. Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Marijuana Trafficker Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Alonso Hernandez-Hernandez, 38, of Costa Rica, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma Lewis to 57 months of incarceration and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy charges.
According to court documents, on November 7, 2022, while patrolling in international waters, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Campbell intercepted a go-fast vessel approximately 65 nautical miles south of Boca Chica, Panama. The go-fast vessel “Agamenon” had no physical flag flown and no registration documents. Onboard the vessel were Hernandez-Hernandez and Luis Orellana-Orellana and Keyran Coto-Lopez, both of Columbia, along with 1,860 kilograms of marijuana. Hernandez-Hernandez claimed Colombian nationality for the vessel. Colombian authorities, however, could neither confirm nor deny nationality. The vessel was therefore treated as one without nationality, subjecting it to the jurisdiction of the United States. On November 8, 2023, Coto-Lopez was sentenced to 46 months of incarceration, and on November 28, 2023, Orellana-Orellana was sentenced to 37 months of incarceration for the roles in the drug smuggling operation. All three face deportation after serving their prison sentences.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Huston and Melissa Ortiz. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Paul Girard and Associates Sentenced to Ten Life Sentence in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Paul Girard, 36, of St. Croix and three members of his violent criminal enterprise were sentenced to ten separate terms of life in prison for their roles in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organization (RICO).
“A reign of unspeakable terror was unleashed in this Territory by Girard and his enterprise. Murders, robberies, assaults, gun violence, kidnappings, all ordered by Girard while he was incarcerated. Many lives have been affected by this senseless violence, but the life sentences issued by the court send a strong message that our system of justice works, and anyone who commits these heinous crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, U.S. Attorney Smith said.
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, Girard, also known as “Bogus”, was the leader of the gang. In that role, Girard ordered shootings against rival gang members, as well as individuals he believed had stolen from or otherwise disrespected the gang. Girard planned several armed robberies that his crew executed, including those at several jewelry stores located in St. Thomas. Most of the criminal activity was orchestrated by Girard from prison, where he was serving sentences for multiple prior criminal convictions.
Tyler Eugene, also known as “Lucc”, 26, of St. Croix, committed acts of violence on behalf of the gang and at Girard’s direction, including murdering Juan Encarnacion, III, a rival gang member, outside a convenience store. Kareem Harry, also known as “Crumbull”, 36, of St. Croix, participated in the murder of Eddie Harriette, Jr. who was believed to have stolen money from the Girard gang, and separately set up the shooting death of Jermaine Williams, a member of a rival gang led by Ivan James, outside of Williams’ child’s daycare center.
Six additional defendants, all of St. Croix except for Wayne Bellille, of St. Thomas, have pleaded guilty to various racketeering charges and have been sentenced. Below is each defendant’s sentence for the following convictions:
Defendant
In-Custody Sentence
Conviction
Paul Girard
Life, plus 47 years
RICO Conspiracy; VICAR murder; VICAR kidnapping; VICAR Attempted Murder; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence; Hobbs Act Robbery
Tyler Eugene
Life, plus 30 years
RICO Conspiracy; VICAR Murder; VICAR Attempted Murder; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence
Kareem Harry
Life, plus 20 years
RICO Conspiracy, VICAR Murder; VICAR Kidnapping; Use of Firearm to Cause Death During a Crime of Violence
Shaquielle Correa
17 years, six months
RICO Conspiracy
James Cruz
12 years
RICO Conspiracy
Shermyra Gumbs
Eight years, four months
RICO Conspiracy
Wahilli James
Six years
RICO Conspiracy
Wayne Bellille
Four years, nine months
RICO Conspiracy
Etherneal Simon
Two years, 10 months
RICO Conspiracy and Money Laundering
Shaquan Prentice
25 years
RICO Conspiracy
The FBI San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas and St. Croix Resident Agencies and Virgin Islands Police Department investigated the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor and Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Human Rights and Special Prosecution Sections, and Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Gang Leader and Two Gang Members Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
The leader and two members of a violent criminal gang in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) were sentenced yesterday to life in prison for their roles in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organization (RICO).
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, Paul Girard, also known as Bogus, 36, of St. Croix, USVI, was the leader of the gang. In that role, Girard ordered shootings against rival gang members, as well as individuals he believed had stolen from or otherwise disrespected the gang. Girard planned several armed robberies that his crew executed, including those at several jewelry stores located in St. Thomas. Most of the criminal activity was orchestrated by Girard from prison, where he was serving sentences for multiple prior criminal convictions.
Tyler Eugene, also known as Lucc, 26, of St. Croix, committed acts of violence on behalf of the gang and at Girard’s direction, including murdering a rival gang member outside a convenience store. Kareem Harry, also known as Crumbull, 36, also of St. Croix, participated in the murder of a victim who was believed to have stolen money from the Girard gang and separately set up the shooting death of a rival gang member outside of the victim’s child’s daycare.
Six additional defendants, all of St. Croix except for Wayne Bellille, who is of St. Thomas, USVI, have already pleaded guilty to various racketeering charges and have been sentenced. Below is each defendant’s sentence for the following convictions:
Defendant
In-Custody Sentence
Conviction
Paul Girard
Life, plus 47 years
RICO conspiracy; VICAR murder; VICAR kidnapping; VICAR attempted murder; use of firearm to cause death during a crime of violence; Hobbs Act Robbery
Tyler Eugene
Life, plus 30 years
RICO conspiracy; VICAR murder; VICAR attempted murder; use of firearm to cause death during a crime of violence
Kareem Harry
Life, plus 20 years
RICO conspiracy, VICAR murder; VICAR kidnapping; use of firearm to cause death during a crime of violence
Shaquielle Correa
17 years, six months
RICO conspiracy
James Cruz
12 years
RICO conspiracy
Shermyra Gumbs
Eight years, four months
RICO conspiracy
Wahilli James
Six years
RICO conspiracy
Wayne Bellille
Four years, nine months
RICO conspiracy
Etherneal Simon
Two years, 10 months
RICO conspiracy and money laundering
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas and St. Croix Resident Agencies and Virgin Islands Police Department investigated the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, Trial Attorney Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards, formerly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands, prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Puerto RICO Man of Smuggling Cocaine Through Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Carlos Gascot Concepcion, 46, of Puerto Rico, was found guilty following a two-day jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy scheduled Gascot Concepcion’s sentencing for October 4, 2024, where he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00.
According to court documents, on October 4, 2023, Gascot Concepcion arrived at the Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas attempting to board a flight to Puerto Rico. After clearing Customs, Gascot Concepcion was stopped by Customs and Border Protection officers for an inspection of his suitcase. During the inspection, officers discovered a brick-shaped package containing one kilogram of cocaine.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Kimberly Riley.
St. Croix Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ambrose Daniel, 44, of St. Croix, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Daniel with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and with unlawful possession of a machine gun.
According to court documents, on May 10, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Daniel’s residence in All for the Better, St. Croix. Federal agents recovered a Glock Model 21, .45 caliber pistol, 48 rounds of .45 caliber cartridges, and a machine gun device capable of converting a Glock pistol into a fully automatic firearm from Daniel’s residence. In 1997, Daniel was convicted of assault in the third degree in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Said felony conviction prohibits Daniel from legally possessing a firearm. If convicted, Daniel faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Plead Guilty in Cocaine Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Eleuterio Gomez Murillo, 53, of Colombia, and Randall Vasquez, 47, and Mainor Salazar Montero, 34, both of Costa Rica, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to possession with intent to distribute cocaine onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents, on November 26, 2020, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a vessel in international waters approximately 115 nautical miles from Isla Malpelo, Colombia. On board the vessel were the three defendants, multiple cannisters of fuel and 383 kilograms of cocaine. For their convictions, Murillo, Vasquez and Salazar Montero face a sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Grenada Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Rodney de Roche, 39, of Grenada, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. For his conviction, de Roche faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2024. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2023, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a vessel approximately 116 nautical miles west of Fort de France, Martinique, a known drug trafficking area. On board the vessel, officers observed multiple packages tied to sandbags being thrown overboard. One of the packages recovered from the ocean contained 32 kilograms of cocaine. De Roche was one of six individuals found on the vessel. The master of the vessel claimed Grenadian nationality for the vessel and the Government of Grenada granted a waiver of jurisdiction for the case and waived objection to the enforcement of United States laws.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that on April 23, 2024, Edward Saldana, 37, of St. Croix, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile Henderson III to a drug conspiracy charge.
According to court documents, on January 23, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a phone call from an officer of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Henry E Rohlsen Airport (HERA) on St, Croix. The officer relayed that two travelers were detained during the inspection process on suspicion of drug smuggling. Travelers Edward Saldana and Bianca Torres had presented themselves for inspection at the HERA attempting to board a Spirit Airlines flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During inspection of Torres’ carry-on bag, X-rays revealed an anomaly. Further inspection revealed four kilograms of cocaine. Saldana’s bags were also inspected, and an additional four kilograms of cocaine were recovered. The investigation also revealed that Saldana had provided Torres with the cocaine earlier that day. Torres was to be paid $3,000 by Saldana for smuggling the cocaine to Florida.
Torres pleaded guilty on February 12, 2024. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024. Saldana’s sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by HSI and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.