District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced today Michael Lewis, 36, to 75 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez ordered Lewis to pay a $100 special assessment and perform 400 hours of community service.
On October 28, 2015, Lewis pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement filed with the court on June 23, 2015, officers from the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) attempted to conduct a field interview with Lewis who took off running. As Lewis was running from VIPD officers, a butt of a firearm was seen protruding from his front right pocket. He was later apprehended in a residence where he had discarded three firearms. VIPD officers recovered those firearms. Lewis is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands. He has three prior felony convictions, two for unauthorized possession of a firearm and one for third degree assault, all in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
“A great example of local and federal agencies working together to remove armed felons from the streets of our communities," said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino.
This case was investigated jointly by the ATF and the VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Four Bureau of Corrections Officers Arrested on Charges of Providing Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Waheeda Ali, 32, Abdul Robinson, 38, Patrick Richards, 41, Eustace Roper, 51, were arrested yesterday pursuant to criminal complaints filed against them on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. They made their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon in district court yesterday. All defendants were released on bail pending the filing of formal charges.
The complaints resulted from years of investigative work by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who conducted a probe into official corruption within the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections.
The complaints charge all defendants with varying counts of providing contraband in prison, promoting dangerous prison contraband and conflict of interest. If convicted of providing prison contraband, the defendants face a maximum of one year of incarceration. If convicted of promoting dangerous prison contraband, they face a maximum sentence of five years’ incarceration. If convicted of conflict of interest, they face a minimum sentence of one year of incarceration and a maximum sentence of five years.
A complaint is merely an informal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
British Virgin Islands Man Pleads Guilty to Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Ashemba Frett, 22, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty today in District Court to encouraging and inducing aliens to illegally enter the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a safety stop on a vessel in Jersey Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The vessel was operated by an unidentified individual. The USCG saw Frett jump into the water and retrieved him. A Hatian national and a national from the Dominican Republic were aboard the vessel . Frett admitted that the Dominican Republic national paid him $700 to travel to St. Thomas from Tortola and that Frett knew that he did not possess proper documents to lawfully enter the United States.
Frett faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for July 7, 2016. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez continued Frett on pre-trial release pending sentencing.
The case wa s investigated by the USSG, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) , Office of Air and Marine (AMO), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ’s ( ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transmission of Threat to Injure WitnessRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced on February 25, 2016, Kamoui Francis, 25, to 27 months in federal prison for transmission of threat to injure, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Francis to three years of supervised release, pay a $1,000 fine and pay a special monetary assessment of $100.
Francis pleaded guilty on October 9, 2015. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, in January 2014, on St. Croix, the victim was a witness in a Superior Court case involving the murder of a police officer. On January 28, 2014, the victim received two threatening messages on her Facebook account which were sent from a mobile device. The first message stated that if anyone was found guilty, the victim’s parents and children would be killed, that people were watching the victim and her family every night, that they knew where her kids went to school, and that they were following the victim from court every day. The second message stated that the victim would go missing like the murdered police officer and that people were listening to her testimony. The victim was called a rat and was warned that if anyone received a life sentence, the victim’s family would be killed, that the victim would die slowly just like the officer and would be fed to the sharks.
.Investigators determined that the messages were sent from a Facebook account which they linked to Francis, who was serving a sentence at Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility. A subsequent search of Francis’ prison cell uncovered a cellular telephone whose assigned number was associated with the Facebook account from which the messages were sent.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Firearms Conspiracy and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced today Tequan Joseph, 23, to 34 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to ship firearms with obliterated serial numbers, unlawful transportation of firearms, and a Middle District of Florida charge of false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez ordered Joseph to pay a $300 special assessment and to perform 400 hours of community service.
On October 26, 2015, Joseph pleaded guilty to conspiracy to ship firearms with obliterated serial numbers, unlawful transportation of those firearms, and to a Middle District of Florida charge of false statements. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, between August 6, 2013, and October 7, 2013, Joseph conspired with other individuals to unlawfully mail two firearms with obliterated serial numbers from Jacksonville, Florida, to St. Thomas. A total of six firearms were shipped and recovered during that period. The investigation revealed that Joseph had bought all six guns from a licensed firearms dealer in Jacksonville, Florida. Joseph is not a federally licensed firearms dealer and is not authorized to possess the firearms in the Virgin Islands.
“Trafficking in firearms is the first step in the cycle of violence that’s plaguing our communities. We stand with our law enforcement partners to combat violent gun crime and those who want to destroy our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in-Charge Carlos A. Canino.
This case was investigated by ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to Four Months in Prison for Impersonating a Federal Officer and BlackmailRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced today George W. Lewis, Jr., 50, of St. Thomas, to four months in prison and one year of supervised release for impersonating a federal officer and blackmail, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Lewis to perform 400 hours of community service, and pay a special assessment of $125.
Lewis pleaded guilty on November 6, 2015, to two counts of an indictment charging him with impersonating a federal officer and blackmail. According to court records, between October 2014 and January 2015, Lewis presented himself as being employed by immigration. In that pretend capacity, he befriended an illegal alien. When that relationship ended, Lewis threatened to have the illegal alien deported even though Lewis knew he was not an employee of immigration and had no authority to do so.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Two St. Croix Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch sentenced today Lamont Sweeney, 41, and Shawn Webster, 42, each to three years of probation, a fine of $500 and a $100 special monetary assessment, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Sweeney and Webster pleaded guilty on September 28, 2015. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on March 17, 2014, an individual asked Sweeney to have Webster pick up a package from the Richmond Post Office, St. Croix. Sweeney called Webster, who agreed to pick up the package. Both Sweeney and Webster knew the package contained 4,980 grams of marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Friday, February 19, 2016, Kyle Michael Brumett, 24, pleaded guilty in federal court to attempted possession with intent to distribute four kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on November 24, 2015, Brumett and Jordan Andrew Foster went to the Mail Stop at Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas to pick up a package addressed to Brumett which was tracked by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). When Foster exited the Mail Stop with the package, he was observed placing it in a vehicle Brumett was driving. Foster pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana on February 10, 2016.
Brumett faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez continued Brumett’s status in official detention. A sentencing date has been set for June 13, 2016.
This case was investigated by the USPIS and the DEA and prosecuted by Nelson L. Jones, Assistant U.S. Attorney.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Robbery and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond Finch on February 19, 2016, sentenced Edigberto Diaz, 46, to 7 years in federal prison for Using and Carrying a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and 21 months for Interference with Commerce by Robbery, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. The sentences are to be served consecutively. Judge Finch also sentenced Diaz to two terms of supervised release to be served concurrently, a fine of $2,000, and a special monetary assessment of $100.
Diaz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 21, 2014, Diaz and his co-defendant, Daniel Ramos, armed with handguns, entered Quality Foods located at Estate Castle Coakley in St. Croix. They went into an office area, pointed their handguns at two individuals, and demanded that they open the safe. The defendant and co-defendant removed deposit bags containing $24,289.17 in cash and checks from the safe. They also took cellular telephones, a music player, a laptop computer, a checkbook, and backpacks from the victims. Diaz, who was carrying a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, was shot by the police while being apprehended at the scene of the crime. A sentencing date has been set for May 23, 2016, for Ramos.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced today Tashimo Scatliffe, 33, to 120 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Scatliffe to pay a $100 special assessment and perform 400 hours of community service.
On October 20, 2015, Scatliffe pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on February 2, 2015, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the Paul M. Pearson Housing Community on St. Thomas. Upon arrival, officers observed Scatliffe leaving the building where the call had originated. The complainant confirmed that Scatliffe was in possession of a firearm. Police searched the area and located a firearm and a spent casing. Analysis of these items verified that the spent casing had been fired from the recovered firearm. In addition, Scatliffe’s DNA was found on the firearm. Scatliffe is a convicted felon and therefore cannot legally possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands. He was previously convicted of felony offenses in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
“This is a great example of federal and local agencies sharing resources to combat violent gun crime and eradicate those who want to destroy our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Golden Grove Inmate Sentenced for Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch sentenced today Rodney Stanley, 30, an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, to one month of imprisonment for possession of prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Finch also ordered Woods to serve one year of supervised release and pay a $25 mandatory assessment. By law, the sentence of imprisonment must be consecutive to the sentence he is currently serving for voluntary manslaughter.
On October 9, 2015, Stanley pleaded guilty to one count of possession of prison contraband. As part of his plea, Woods admitted that on November 15, 2012, while he was an inmate at Golden Grove, he possessed a cellular telephone which was hidden in his cell in the head of his mattress. Cellular telephones are prohibited contraband in correctional facilities because they are known to be used by prisoners to intimidate witnesses, orchestrate narcotics transactions, and facilitate other criminal activity, including murders.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
British Virgin Islands Man Arrested on Charges of Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - Ashemba Frett, 22, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged in a complaint with encouraging and inducing aliens to illegally enter the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Judge Miller released Frett to the custody of a third-party custodian and ordered him to post a $10,000 unsecured bond.
According to the complaint, on February 14, 2016, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a safety stop on a vessel in U.S. waters. The vessel was operated by Frett and an unidentified individual who jumped overboard prior to the vessel being stopped. A Haitian national and a national from the Dominican Republic were on-board the vessel. Neither the Haitian nor the Dominican Republic national possessed documents to lawfully enter the United States.
Under federal law if convicted of illegally encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States, Frett faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and in the case of a violation in which the offense was done for the purpose of private financial gain, not more than 10 years’ imprisonment. This case is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO), the USCG and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Bribing Public OfficialRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –On Friday, February 12, 2016, Miguel Rodriguez Ramirez, 45, pleaded guilty in District Court to bribery of a public official, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, between July 2015 and December 2015, Ramirez bribed an undercover public official by paying the undercover public official to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States. Ramirez paid the undercover public official a total of $12,080 to shepherd the illegal aliens through customs at the Cyril E. King Airport. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez continued Ramirez’s status in official detention. A sentencing date has been set for June 16, 2016.
Ramirez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is the result of investigative work by Customs and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Murder and Related Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on February 11, 2016, sentenced Craig Muller, 31, to 5 years in federal prison for a possession of a firearm in a school zone, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Additionally, the court imposed a sentence of life in prison without parole for first degree murder and 20 years in prison on a local firearms offense to be served after the federal sentences. Chief Judge Lewis also sentenced Muller to a 1-year term of supervised release, pay a fine of $25,000, pay $6,360 in restitution, and pay a special assessment of $25.
After a two-week trial, on March 24, 2015, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Muller and co-defendant, Elvin Wrensford. Evidence presented at trial established that during the afternoon on May 10, 2012, the defendants argued with a male individual at Ben’s Car Wash in Estate Princesse. The defendants left and later returned to the car wash in a red truck. A second male, Gilbert Hendricks, Jr., walked out of the car wash, observed the defendants in the truck and began running. The defendants chased Hendricks while in the truck and Wrensford began firing at him as Muller drove. Hendricks fell to the ground and Wrensford continued to shoot at him. Hendricks died as a result of the gunshot wounds. On May 16, 2012, law enforcement stopped Muller at the San Juan International Airport in Puerto Rico on his way to New York. He voluntarily returned to St. Croix and was arrested. Through eyewitness testimony, the government established that Muller was the driver of the red truck.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso Andrews, Jr., and Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch on February 11, 2016, sentenced Delroy Woods, 25, of St. Croix, to 21 months of imprisonment for possession of prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Finch also ordered Woods to serve two years of supervised release, pay a $250 fine and pay a $100 mandatory assessment.
On October 9, 2015, Woods pleaded guilty to one count of possession of prison contraband. As part of his plea, Woods admitted that on May 7, 2013, while he was an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, he possessed a shank or homemade knife which was hidden in the head of his mattress inside his cell.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S.Badawy.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, February 11, 2016, Miguel Esperanza-Vazquez, 60, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 12, 2013, Esperanza-Vazquez, caused a money order to be transmitted from Texas to the Virgin Islands as part of an illegal scheme in which the defendant purported to be able to influence an undocumented immigrant’s residency status. The parties agreed that the total loss to the victim was $14,999.
Esperanza-Vasquez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for June 15, 2016.
The case is the result of months of investigative work by the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Stringer.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Murder and Related Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on February 9, 2016, sentenced Elvin Wrensford, 30, to 35 years in federal prison for federal firearm offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Additionally, the court imposed a sentence of life in prison without parole for first degree murder and 20 years in prison on a local firearms offense to be served after the federal sentences. Chief Judge Lewis also sentenced Wrensford to multiple terms of supervised release, pay a fine of $25,000.00, pay $6,360.00 in restitution, and pay a special assessment of $225.
After a two-week trial, on March 24, 2015, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Wrensford and co-defendant, Craig Muller. Evidence presented at trial established that during the afternoon on May 10, 2012, the defendants argued with a male individual at Ben’s Car Wash in Estate Princesse. The defendants left and later returned to the car wash in a red truck. A second male, Gilbert Hendricks, Jr., walked out of the car wash, observed the defendants in the truck and began running. The defendants chased Hendricks while in the truck and Wrensford began firing at him. Hendricks fell to the ground and Wrensford continued to shoot at him. Hendricks died as a result of the gunshot wounds. The government established the identity of the shooter through eyewitness testimony and DNA evidence. Muller’s sentencing is set for February 11, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso Andrews, Jr., and Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Friday, February 5, 2016, Edridge Clyne, 45, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on February 25, 2015, Clyne went to Tropical Shipping to pick up a hot water heater and freezer. During a routine inspection, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted to the presence of narcotics. CBP officers discovered a total of 24 kilograms of marijuana hidden inside the appliances.
Clyne faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for May 31, 2016.
This case is the result of investigative work by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Donne W. Williams, 32, of St Thomas, to 78 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Ricardo Mayoral, acting special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan and U.S. Virgin Islands announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Williams to register as a sex offender, perform 400 hours of community service, pay a fine of $5,000, pay $27,000 in restitution, and pay a special assessment of $100.
On October 8, 2015, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. According to court records, Williams used his laptop computer to download more than 600 child pornography images from a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Those images included adults having sexual intercourse with prepubescent females.
“Adults who engage in this type of crime should know that HSI will not rest until they are brought to justice,” said acting special agent in charge Ricardo Mayoral. “We, working jointly with our local and federal partners, will continue using all resources available and robust investigative authorities to identify you, arrest you and prosecute you.”
Suspected child exploitation or missing children cases may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 202-514-5678, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at (340) 693-2250.
This case was investigated by HSI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 17 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Dwayne Fahie, 26, to 17 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Fahie to serve three years of supervised release, perform 300 hours of community service and pay a $100 special assessment.
On August 21, 2015, Fahie pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on April 24, 2015, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers conducted a traffic stop for illegal tint on a vehicle in which Fahie was the passenger. During the traffic stop, Fahie fled from the car, fell and exposed the handle of a firearm. The officers recovered a Glock 9MM firearm. Fahie is a convicted felon and was not authorized to possess a firearm. He was convicted of reckless endangerment, a felony, in 2013 in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced D’Mari Heyliger, 23, to 15 months in prison for his federal conviction of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and 15 months in prison for possession of an unlicensed firearm under local law, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Heyliger to serve three years of supervised release, perform 300 hours of community service, pay a fine of $5,000 and pay a $100 special assessment.
On August 31, 2015, Heyliger pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of an unlicensed firearm. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on December 20, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence in St. Thomas. During the execution of the search warrant, two firearms with obliterated serial numbers were found in the defendant’s bedroom. Since the firearms had obliterated serial numbers, the firearms cannot be lawfully registered and therefore Heyliger did not have the authority to possess those
firearms in the Virgin Islands.This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Arrest Detroit Man Attempting to Smuggle Marijuana to the Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Deonte Bailey, 24, made his initial appearance on January 31, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged in a Complaint with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Virgin Islands Area Port Director Louis Harrigan announced. Bailey was detained pending preliminary and detention hearings set for Tuesday, February 2, 2016.
According to the Complaint, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Cyril E. King Airport’s baggage claim area, a CBP K-9 detected narcotics in a checked bag belonging to Bailey, who had arrived on a Delta Airlines flight from New York. Bailey was taken to secondary inspection where CBP officers discovered a baggage claim ticket for a second bag. The CBP officers went to the Delta Airlines baggage claim area where a second bag belonging to Bailey was recovered. CBP
Field Operations Officers seized a total of 46 pounds (21.1 kilos) of marijuana from Bailey’s bags.“CBP officers remain vigilant to detect and seize illegal contraband being illegally brought into our islands,” stated Port Director Harrigan.
Under federal law if convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Bailey faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a Complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI –On Thursday, January 28, 2016, Misael Melendez, aka Salao, 50, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on February 11, 2015, Melendez sold a stolen .22 caliber rifle to an undercover informant. Melendez had been previously convicted in 2009 of the felony of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the District Court of the Virgin Islands.
Melendez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for June 1, 2016.
The case is the result of months of investigative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Stringer.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Raymond Mathurin, 48, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of manufacturing a controlled substance, specifically, marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Mathurin admitted that on June 26, 2014, he was growing a total of 69 marijuana plants near his property on St. Croix. At the conclusion of the hearing, Magistrate Judge George Cannon continued his release pending sentencing. Mathurin’s sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Mathurin is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a $100.00 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
Two St. Thomas Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Hugo Ogando, 37, to serve 60 months in prison and Mario De Los Santos, 39, to serve 34 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Cole announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced both men to serve four years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
Ogando and De Los Santos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute on August 26, 2015 and August 24, 2015, respectively. As part of their pleas, Ogando and De Los Santos admitted that they agreed to sell 4.5 kilograms of cocaine. Members of the DEA arrested them on April 22, 2015, when they attempted to complete the sale.
This case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Daniel Ramos, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court on St. Croix to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 21, 2014, Ramos and Edigberto Diaz, 46, entered Quality Foods located at Estate Castle Coakley, St. Croix. Diaz was carrying a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number containing 14 rounds of ammunition and Ramos carried a toy gun. They entered into an office area, pointed the guns at two individuals and demanded that they open the safe. Ramos and Diaz removed $24,289.17 in cash and
checks. They also took personal items belonging to the victims.
Ramos faces a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine on the robbery count and a mandatory seven years and a $250,000.00 fine on the gun count. A sentencing date has been set for May 23, 2016. Diaz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015, to the same counts and will be sentenced on February 19, 2016.This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Daniel Ramos, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court on St. Croix to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 21, 2014, Ramos and Edigberto Diaz, 46, entered Quality Foods located at Estate Castle Coakley, St. Croix. Diaz was carrying a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number containing 14 rounds of ammunition and Ramos carried a toy gun. They entered into an office area, pointed the guns at two individuals and demanded that they open the safe. Ramos and Diaz removed $24,289.17 in cash and
checks. They also took personal items belonging to the victims.
Ramos faces a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine on the robbery count and a mandatory seven years and a $250,000.00 fine on the gun count. A sentencing date has been set for May 23, 2016. Diaz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015, to the same counts and will be sentenced on February 19, 2016.This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Ja’Moi Khadeem Corraspe, 23, to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to ship firearms with obliterated serial numbers, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Corraspe to serve three years of supervised release, 600 hours of community service and pay a $100 special ssessment.
On September 14, 2015, Corraspe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to ship firearms with obliterated serial numbers. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, between August 6, 2013, and October 7, 2013, Corraspe conspired with other individuals to mail two firearms with obliterated serial numbers from Jacksonville, Florida, to St. Thomas. Corraspe is not a federally licensed firearm dealer and is not authorized to possess the firearm in the Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Lued Browne, 44, to 42 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Browne to serve three years of supervised release, 400 hours of community service and pay a $100 special assessment.
On September 14, 2015, Browne pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 22, 2015, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers responded to a report that a vehicle was blocking the exit at the Antilles School. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed Browne, the sole occupant of the vehicle, sitting in the driver’s seat. The officer also observed a firearm between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle. The firearm was recovered. Browne is a convicted felon and cannot legally possess a firearm in the Virgin Islands. Browne was previously convicted of armed bank robbery and use or possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in the Northern District of Florida, Gainesville Division, in 1992.
This case was investigated by ATF and the VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.St. Croix Man Arrested Unlawfully Mailing FirearmsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Jahraun Malachi Brodhurst, 24, a native of St. Croix, was arraigned on Thursday, December 17, before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon on a superseding indictment charging him with one count of transporting and shipping a firearm with an obliterated serial number and two counts of unlawfully mailing a firearm, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Brodhurst was arrested on December 4, 2015, in Florida.
According to the superseding indictment, Brodhurst shipped a Smith and Wesson AR-15 lower receiver with an obliterated serial number and mailed a Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol from Florida to St. Croix on May 26, 2014. Also, on July 13, 2013, Brodhurst mailed a Glock 23 pistol from Florida to St. Croix.
If convicted of transporting and shipping a firearm with an obliterated serial number, Brodhurst faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of unlawfully mailing a firearm, Brodhurst faces a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The superseding indictment is the result of investigative work conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami. S. Badawy.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Kurt Reovan, 37, of Georgia, to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On June 8, 2015, Reovan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Court records show that on February 13, 2015, Reovan and Amari Stroy, 23, of Union City, Georgia, were apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas with approximately 9.9 kilograms of marijuana in a checked suitcase. Reovan brought the marijuana to St. Thomas on a flight that originated in Atlanta, Georgia. On September 17, 2015, Stroy was sentenced to eight months in
prison and one year of supervised release for possession of marijuana.This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David White.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $11,466,944.35 in Fiscal Year 2015Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that the District of the Virgin Islands collected $11,466,944.35 in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. Of this amount, $11,242,164.77 was collected in criminal cases and $224,779.58 was collected in civil cases.
Additionally, the District of the Virgin Islands worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,172,157.03 in civil cases pursued jointly with those offices.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on December 3, 2015, that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. This amount represents more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion appropriated for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
In measuring collections recovered in FY 2015, this figure necessarily includes some cases that were resolved in previous years but the proceeds of which were collected in FY 2015.
“The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to
this ongoing work.”United States Attorney Sharpe said: “The recoveries announced today demonstrate that the U.S. Attorney's Office will utilize all means at its disposal to disgorge criminals and fraudsters of illegal and dishonest profits. My office is committed to upholding our laws and ensuring that residents of the Virgin Islands who are the unfortunate victims of crime and other misconduct are made whole.”
The District of the Virgin Islands’ largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud, including Food Stamp fraud, or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or the territory for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education. The largest criminal collection resulted from a tax fraud case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
St. Thomas Taxi Driver Pleads Guilty to Transporting Minor for SexRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Lennox Phillips, 58, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas to one count of transportation of a minor for sex, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. At the conclusion of the hearing, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez remanded Phillips into the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Phillips’ sentencing is scheduled for April 7, 2016.
As part of his plea, Phillips admitted that he befriended a 13-year-old female while transporting her to and from school in his taxi van. During the course of that activity, Phillips and the minor became involved in a sexual relationship, and Phillips transported the minor to secluded areas where they engaged in sexual activity. Phillips’ unlawful conduct came to light when an employee at the minor’s school observed Phillips transporting the minor away from the school on numerous occasions when the minor should have been attending school.
“Anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation should consider themselves a target of HSI and our law enforcement partners,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan and USVI. “Our special agents will continue using their investigative authorities to identify, apprehend and prosecute those who, despite all of our efforts, think they can abuse our children and get away with it.”
Phillips faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000.
Suspected child exploitation or missing children cases should be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free 24-hour hotline at 202-514-5678, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at (340) 693-2250.
This case was investigated by HSI, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Man Sentenced for Endangered Sea Turtle ViolationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on December 4, 2015 sentenced Kisean Anthony Testamark, 44, also known as Sean Anthony Penn, of Coki Point, St. Thomas, to 45 days in prison and five years of supervised release for possession and transportation of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Penn to perform 200 hours of community service.
On July 29, 2015, Penn pleaded guilty to possession and transportation of the green sea turtle, which is an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Court records show that on September 16, 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Marine Interdiction Unit was conducting routine border security patrol when Penn was observed in a small boat. The agents attempted to intercept Penn, but he maneuvered his boat close to the shoreline in an area where the agents’ vessel could not enter. Subsequently, after Penn complied with the agents’ directive and pulled his boat alongside the agents’ vessel, the agents saw a red cooler in Penn’s boat. When asked what was in the cooler, Penn dumped the contents of the cooler into the ocean. A diver from Coral World was recruited to search the area where Penn dumped his cooler, and recovered a decapitated green sea turtle with its shell removed.
This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, the United States Customs and Border Protection, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
Woman Arrested and Charged with Sex Trafficking of MinorRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jennifer Bowen-Dodoo, 51, made her initial appearance in District Court today before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez after her arrest on St. Thomas Thursday for sex trafficking of a 13-year-old female minor, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez remanded Bowen-Dodoo to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 7, 2015.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the District Court, Bowen-Dodoo directed a 13-year-old female to become involved in a sexual relationship with a 58-year-old adult male, and demanded that the male make monthly deposits into Bowen-Dodoo’s bank account. In addition to the monthly deposits, Bowen-Dodoo periodically demanded other cash payments in exchange for facilitating the male’s continued access to the minor. If convicted, Bowen-Dodoo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. She would also face a fine of up to $250,000.
“Adults who target children for sexual exploitation, regardless of their age, should consider themselves targets by HSI and our law enforcement partners,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. “Child exploitation, in all its forms, is a very serious crime and its investigation is a priority for HSI.”
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Suspected child exploitation or missing children cases may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free 24–hour hotline at 202-514-5678, or to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at (340) 693-2250.
This case is being investigated by HSI, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department and Human Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Man Arrested on Charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Edridge Clyne, 45, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against him Thursday charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. After his arrest, Clyne made his initial appearance before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, who ordered that he be released on a $25,000 unsecured bond with GPS monitoring. Arraignment is scheduled for December 9, 2015.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Clyne faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
The indictment is the result of investigative work by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
French National Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Alain Rene Leichtnam, 71, a French national, to 24 months in prison for alien smuggling, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Leichtnam also was ordered to serve two years of supervised release, 200 hours of community service and pay a $3,800 special assessment.
On August 12, 2015, Leichtnam pleaded guilty to encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States in violation of law. As part of his plea, Leichtnam admitted that on April 29, 2015, the sailing vessel Mazurka, operating with no lights, entered United States waters heading towards Coral Bay on the East End of St. John, Virgin Islands. The vessel was intercepted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents who observed Leichtnam operating the vessel and identified 38 Cuban nationals and one St. Lucian national onboard. CBP agents observed that the vessel was grossly overloaded and did not have a sufficient number of life jackets and life rafts for the number of people onboard. Leichtnam admitted that he transports people to the United States for financial gain knowing that such conduct is unlawful.
“Those responsible for encouraging and inducing immigrants to enter the United States illegally are placing personal profit ahead of public safety and the lives of the immigrants,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “This conviction should warn those involved in this dangerous and illegal activity that it comes with a high price.”
Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands said: “ICE continues to be committed to putting an end to the practice of profiting from the illegal transportation of aliens across our borders and throughout our country. We will continue to vigorously enforce the federal laws which punish the many manifestations of the complex problem of smuggling, trafficking and harboring illegal aliens. Tragically, many have lost their lives while attempting this illegal and treacherous trip. Human smugglers have a callous disregard for the value of human life and are only concerned about making a profit. ICE will continue to aggressively work with our U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners to identify and arrest those involved in this illicit and dangerous activity.”
The case was investigated by ICE with the assistance of CBP and the United States Coast Guard. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
St. Croix Man Arrested for Unauthorized Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Dwayne Wesselhoft, 29, of St. Croix, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of acontrolled substance, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of ammunition, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Wesselhoft made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon in District Court and was released to a third-party custodian.
According to the indictment, Wesselhoft possessed a Taurus, model PT 24-77 Pro DS, 9mm Luger pistol, 50 Blazer, 9 mm bullets, and 40 Remington, 9 mm bullets.
If convicted of possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, Wesselhoft faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each count. If convicted of unauthorized possession of a firearm, Wesselhoft faces a mandatory minimum sentence of one year imprisonment and a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. If convicted of unauthorized possession of ammunition, Wesselhoft faces a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
The indictment is the result of investigative work by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami. S. Badawy.
Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Carjacking at St. Croix Educational ComplexRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI –District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis today sentenced James Cruz, 20, to 84 months in prison for using a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Cruz also was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $500 fine.
On July 28, 2015, Cruz pleaded guilty to using a firearm during a crime of violence. As part of his plea, Cruz admitted that on February 21, 2015 at St. Croix Educational Complex, he and an accomplice ordered two people to the ground at gun point and then drove off with their pick-up truck. According to court records, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers located and pursued the accomplices, who abandoned the truck and fled on foot in the Longpoint area. VIPD officers were able to capture the accomplices.
The accomplice is a juvenile, and his case has been adjudicated through the Office of the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by the VIPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian H. Stringer.
St. Croix Man Arrested for Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Curtis Winston Venner, 34, of St. Croix, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of ammunition, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Venner made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon in District Court and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for November 23, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
According to the complaint, Venner was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle that was stopped on Rattan Road on July 12, 2015. Inside the vehicle, next to Venner on the floor of the front passenger seat, law enforcement found a bag containing a Cobray, model M 12, .380 caliber handgun and a magazine containing 17 bullets.
If convicted of possessing a firearm and/or ammunition by a convicted felon, Venner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine for each count. If convicted of unauthorized possession of a firearm, Venner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of one year imprisonment and a maximum of five years. If convicted of unauthorized possession of ammunition, Venner faces a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
The complaint is the result of investigative work conducted by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami. S. Badawy.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Judge Sentences Two for Pretending to Be FBI AgentsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Yamini Potter, 29, of St. Thomas and Alana Liburd, 34, of St. John for impersonating FBI agents, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez sentenced Potter to 12 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and 200 hours of community service. He sentenced Liburd to 30 days of intermittent confinement to be served on weekends, five years of probation, and 200 hours of community service.
Judge Gomez also ordered Potter and Liburd to pay $6,010 in restitution, joint and several, and a special assessment of $100 each. Potter and Liburd were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving their sentences.
In July 2015, both Liburd and Potter pleaded guilty to impersonation of a federal officer. According to court records, Potter and Liburd devised a scheme wherein they pretended to be FBI agents, and then persuaded 11 individuals to pay them a total of $6,010 in fees to become FBI agents.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Judge Sentences Former V.I. Army National Guard Major to PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on November 12, 2015 sentenced Sherrymae Morales, 54, of St. Croix, to 12 months and one day in prison, and three years of supervised release, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also ordered Morales to serve 200 hours of community service, repay $45,426 in restitution to the Virgin Islands National Guard, and pay a special assessment of $2,100.
On July 1, 2015, after a three-day trial in District Court on St. Croix, the jury found Morales guilty of 21 counts of wire fraud. According to evidence presented at trial, from 2010 until 2011, Morales was employed as a full-time employee with the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) on St. Croix. At the same time she was employed as a full-time VING employee, Morales also held a full-time contract position with the Military Personnel Services Corporation (MPSC),
which provides employee support services to members of the VING. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Morales submitted time sheets to both the MPSC and VING for the same 40-hour work weeks over 14 months.This case was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command-Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis on November 10, 2015 sentenced Andelson Santiago, 24, of St. Croix, to 18 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $500 fine for possession of prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On May 27, 2015, Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Prison Contraband. As part of his plea, Santiago admitted that he was carrying a knife on December 25, 2013 while he was an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
St. Croix Man Arraigned on Charges of Murder for HireRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Delroy A. Thomas, 25, was arraigned today in District Court on St. Croix after being charged in a three-count information with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire and related offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Thomas was detained pending trial.
The information is the result of months of investigative work by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The joint investigation was initiated based on information that an inmate at Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix was planning to murder two witnesses in his upcoming case in the Virgin Islands Superior Court.
The information charges Thomas with use of interstate commerce facility in commission of murder for hire, attempted murder, and attempted retaliation against a witness.
If convicted on count one, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. On count two, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, and on count three, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an information is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Tortola Man Indicted on Bulk Cash Smuggling ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on November 5, 2015, charging Kevin Henley, 21, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with Bulk Cash Smuggling, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
Henley was arrested on October 7, 2015, and was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring after posting a $25,000.00 cash bond pending trial. His arraignment and advice of rights on the indictment are scheduled to occur on November 12, 2015.
According to the indictment and court documents, agents of the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), were conducting surveillance in Red Hook, St. Thomas, when they observed Henley load several packages on his British registered vessel docked at the American Yacht Harbor. Henley departed the American Yacht Harbor, but his vessel soon stalled, and he was escorted back to the ferry dock by a passenger ferry. As Henley approached the dock, he grabbed a black duffle bag from his vessel and attempted to flee the dock without the other packages and without securing the vessel. Henley was immediately apprehended by HSI agents. Upon inspection of Henley’s duffle bag, agents found approximately $256,386.00 cash in U.S. Currency. Henley was arrested and charged with failure to declare his currency before departing the United States Virgin Islands.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. This case is being investigated by HSI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
St. Thomas Man Indicted on Bulk Cash Smuggling ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on November 5, 2015, charging Kevin Greaves, 43, of St. Thomas, with Bulk Cash Smuggling, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
Greaves was arrested on August 22, 2015, and was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring after posting a $25,000.00 cash bond pending trial. His arraignment and advice of rights on the indictment are scheduled to occur on November 12, 2015.
According to the indictment and court documents, Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were conducting surveillance in the East End area of St. John when they observed Greaves approach a vessel that had signaled its arrival from Tortola, BVI, to Greaves at an area overlooking Haulover Bay, St. John. Greaves traveled from the lookout area to Haulover Bay, met with the occupants of the vessel, then departed after a brief encounter. HSI agents followed Greaves to the Pine Peace area where they stopped him and questioned him about his travels. Greaves told agents that he went to Haulover Bay to discuss a welding job with a mechanic. Agents conducted a search of Greaves’ vehicle and found two duffle bags containing $118,000.00 cash in U.S. currency. Greaves was arrested and charged with failure to declare the currency after it arrived in the United States Virgin Islands from a place outside the United States.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. This case is being investigated by HSI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
St. Croix Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Manufacture of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis on November 6, 2015, sentenced
Gail Leung, 57, to 18 months in prison for manufacture of marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.Judge Lewis also ordered Leung to serve two years of supervised release, and pay a $100 special assessment and $5,000 fine.
On June 11, 2015, Leung pleaded guilty to manufacture of marijuana. As part of her plea, she agreed to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $3,000. According to court documents, Leung knowingly and intentionally grew marijuana plants on her property in Estate Mount Pleasant, St. Croix. On May 28, 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) removed a total of 200 marijuana plants from the property.
This case was investigated by the DEA. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Alva Nicholas, 57, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to court records, on August 21, 2015, Nicholas was arrested by agents of the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas after his arrival on an American Airlines flight. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors screening bags arriving at the airport detected an anomaly inside a suitcase bearing Nicholas’ name and flight tag.
After further inspection, agents found 3.4 kilograms of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside Nicholas’ suitcase. The bag was repackaged and placed on the conveyor belt. Nicholas was taken into custody after he collected the suitcase from the conveyor belt. Nicholas was previously convicted of heroin smuggling and sentenced to 10 years in prison.Nicholas faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. His sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2016.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by HSI and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Possession of Prison Contraband and Possession of Firearm While under IndictmentRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis on November 5, 2015, sentenced Jahseen Simmonds, 23, to 21 months in prison for possession of prison contraband and possession of a firearm while under indictment, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Carlos Cases announced today.
Judge Lewis also sentenced the St. Croix resident to serve three years of supervised release, and pay a $300 special assessment and $600 fine. Judge Lewis also ordered Simmonds to obtain his GED and vocational or educational training to obtain a license or certification at least six months before the expiration of his supervised release.
On May 11, 2015, Simmonds pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of prison contraband, and one count of possession of a firearm while under indictment. According to court documents, on or about August 30, 2013, Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections officers conducted a search of a cell occupied solely by Simmonds. The officers seized two shanks on the top bunk. On April 7, 2014, federal officers conducted a search of a cell occupied by Simmonds and seized a shank that was under his mattress. On January 2, 2015, Virgin Islands Police Department officers observed Simmonds in the Ruby Rouss Housing Complex on St. Croix with a clear plastic bag that contained a green leafy substance. Simmonds admitted to the police that the bag contained marijuana, and he gave the bag to the police. When asked if he had any other contraband, Simmonds ran from the police. The police officers chased and caught Simmonds. Upon searching him, the officers found a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, a loaded magazine and a switchblade knife.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on November 5, 2015, charging Kasimir Asim McClean, 37, of St. Thomas with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
McClean was arrested on September 26, 2015 and released pending trial. He is awaiting arraignment and advise of rights on the indictment.
According to the indictment and court documents, McClean was a passenger on a Delta Airlines flight arriving at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas from Atlanta, Georgia, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, with the assistance of a canine, found approximately five kilos of marijuana in his luggage.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.