District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Kendrick Christopher, 47, a Grenadian national, and Jeard Shillingford, 33, a Dominican national, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas to an information charging them with encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States for commercial or financial gain in violation of law, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of their pleas, Christopher and Shillingford admitted to operating a sailing vessel containing 61 Haitian nationals seeking to enter the United States illegally, and that they did so for commercial or financial gain knowing that their actions were unlawful. The United States Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted the vessel off the coast of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands on June 10, 2015. Christopher and Shillingford face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David White.
Man Sentenced to over 60 Years in Prison for Robbery, Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Richard Antonio Hodge, Jr., 30, of St. Thomas, to over 60 years in prison for Hobbs Act robbery, discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and related offenses, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe.Judge Gomez also sentenced Hodge to four years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $300 in special assessments.
“Justice has been done,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “This violent and brazen criminal conduct has no place in a civilized society and will not be tolerated.”
On June 11, 2014, after a three-day jury trial, Hodge was convicted of the armed robbery and shooting of a Ranger American Armored Service messenger and his supervisor on December 3, 2013 in the Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center. Hodge was convicted of the following offenses:
- Interfering with commerce by robbery (federal Hobbs Act robbery), for which he was sentenced to 70 months;
- Two counts of discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, for which he was sentenced to a total of 35 years;
- Three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, for which he was sentenced to a total of 15 years.
- Two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, for which he was sentenced to a total of five years;
- Robbery first degree, for which he was sentenced to five years, and
- Reckless endangerment, for which he was sentenced to five years.
The Court ordered Hodge to serve the sentences for the two counts of assault, robbery first degree and reckless endangerment concurrently.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on December 3, 2013, a messenger for Ranger American Armored Service went to Kmart at Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center to deliver and retrieve U.S. currency for deposit at a bank. The messenger entered Kmart, delivered coins, and picked up $33,550 to take to the bank. While in Kmart, the messenger also picked up $4,700 from the AT&T kiosk. After leaving the store, the messenger stopped to talk to his supervisor, who was standing a short distance from the entrance. Hodge ran up to the messenger, shot him in the back, hip and wrist, and ripped the money bag from his hands. Hodge then ran through the parking lot and into the Oswald Harris Court housing community where he was chased by an offduty Virgin Islands police officer and the messenger’s supervisor. Hodge was apprehended approximately 45 minutes later hiding in dense brush behind Oswald Harris Court. The messenger and supervisor were taken to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital where both were treated for gunshot wounds. Both men recovered from their injuries. The stolen money and firearm used in the crimes were never recovered.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations for their outstanding work in this case. He also commended Assistant U.S.Attorney Nelson L. Jones, who prosecuted the case, and the off-duty police officer who chased the defendant into Oswald Harris Court after witnessing the robbery and shooting.
St. Croix Woman Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, June 11, 2015, Gail Leung, 57, pleaded guilty in federal court on St. Croix to one count of manufacturing marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 28, 2014, Leung knowingly and intentionally grew marijuana on her property in Frederiksted, St. Croix. Law enforcement agents discovered a total of 200 marijuana plants growing on Leung’s property.
As part of her plea agreement, Leung also agreed to forfeit $3,000 to the United States. Leung faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for October 14, 2015.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Carjacking-related OffenseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on June 1, 2015 sentenced Abdallah Abdallah, 24, to 84 months in prison for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent-in-Charge Luis Fraticelli, and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards.
Chief Judge Lewis also sentenced Abdallah to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.
On February 2, 2015, Abdallah pleaded guilty to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court records, on or about December 24, 2013 in the Estate Strawberry area of St. Croix, Abdallah intentionally drove a brown Chevy Malibu in front of a red Focus driven by the victim and blocked the victim’s car. The passenger in the front seat of the car driven by Abdallah got out the car, walked towards the red Focus, pointed a gun at the victim’s head and told him to get out of the car. After the victim got out of his car, the individual with the gun got into the victim’s car. Abdallah then drove off, and the individual with the gun followed him in the victim’s car. Abdallah was arrested on December 25, 2013, and he had the victim’s car keys in his possession. The victim’s car was later found behind Abdallah’s residence in Estate LaReine. Abdallah was charged under the aiding and abetting theory. His accomplice, a minor, was charged in the Superior Court.
This case was investigated by the VIPD and FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 22 Months in Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on Tuesday sentenced Jace R. Clendinen, 31, of St Thomas, to 22 months in prison and three years supervised release for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On February 9, 2015, a federal jury convicted Clendinen of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to the evidence presented at trial, on September 1, 2014, officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) were in the area of the Smith Bay Ballpark during Labor Day J’Ouvert activities, when they witnessed an ammunition magazine fall from a flatbed truck carrying the band. Officers ordered everyone off the truck to determine who had a firearm. Clendinen jumped from the truck and rapidly walked away from the officers. Officers apprehended Clendinen and found a Fabrique Nationale firearm with an obliterated serial number in his possession.
This case was investigated by the VIPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – A federal grand jury on Tuesday returned a four-count indictment against Nicholas Mena, 34, of St. Croix, charging him with two counts of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Mena was arrested on a criminal complaint on April 10, 2015 and has been detained pending trial. His arraignment is scheduled for June 4, 2015.
If convicted of production of child pornography, Mena faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years, plus a $250,000 fine. If convicted of receipt of child pornography, Mena faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years, plus a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Mena faces a maximum sentence of 10 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 Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami. S. Badawy.
Man Arrested on Charges of Wire Fraud, Blackmail, Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses and ExtortionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Miguel A. Esperanza-Vazquez, 59, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment on Tuesday charging him with two counts of wire fraud, one count of blackmail, one count of obtaining money under false pretenses, and one count of extortion, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. After his arrest, Esperanza-Vazquez was arraigned in District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon. He was released on an unsecured bond.
The five-count indictment is the result of months of investigative work by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. The indictment alleges that Esperanza-Vazquez attempted to extort money from an undocumented immigrant while pretending to be a member of law enforcement.
If convicted of wire fraud, Esperanza-Vazquez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. If convicted of blackmail, he faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. If convicted of obtaining money under false pretenses, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If convicted of extortion, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
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 proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Stringer.
Golden Grove Prisoner Sentenced to 34 Months for Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on May 22, 2015, sentenced Gregoire George, 37, to 34 months in prison for Possession of Prison Contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Lewis ordered George to serve the sentence consecutively to the sentence he was serving at the time he committed the offense.
Following a three-day jury trial, George was convicted of two counts of Possession of Prison Contraband and one count of Promoting Prison Contraband. Evidence presented at trial established that on June 14, 2013, while an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, George possessed a cell phone and a homemade knife or “shank” inside his cell. Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) officers found both items during a search of the facility.
“Contraband in prison threatens the safety and security of inmates, employees, and the community as a whole,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “Cell phones, in particular, can be used to facilitate criminal activity inside and outside of Golden Grove including narcotics distribution and murder.”
George was sentenced to 34 months in prison for possessing a shank, 10 months for possessing a cell phone, and 12 months for promoting prison contraband, all to be served concurrently.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and BOC. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacture of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Michael Velez, 36, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Manufacture of Marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Williams admitted that on January 29, 2015 he was the sole resident of 4-0 Catherine’s Rest, St. Croix, where the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) found 204 marijuana plants during the execution of a search warrant. According to court records, law enforcement officers also found cultivation equipment, including lighting, watering mechanisms, and cloning solution, as well as ammunition on the property.
Williams is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2015.
The case was investigated by the DEA and VIPD, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Stringer.
Former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Legislature Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bribery and ExtortionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Legislature was sentenced to five years in prison today, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands.
Louis “Lolo” Willis, 57, a resident of St. Thomas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez of the District of the Virgin Islands. On Nov. 19, 2014, a jury in the Virgin Islands convicted Willis of four counts of federal programs bribery and extortion under color of official right.
According to evidence presented at trial, Willis was the executive director of the Legislature between 2009 and 2012. His responsibilities included oversight of the major renovation of the Legislature building and awarding and entering into government contracts in connection with the project. Willis was also responsible for authorizing payments to the contractors for their work. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Willis accepted bribes, including $13,000 in cash and checks, from contractors in exchange for using his official position to secure more than $350,000 in work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas Resident Agency, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, Trial Attorney Traccee Plowell of the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations, Trial Attorney Jennifer Blackwell of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Delia Smith of the District of the Virgin Islands.
Man Sentenced to Prison on Firearm Possession ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Joseph Roberts, Jr., 27, to a total of 39 months in prison, 32 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and seven for possession of a firearm within a school zone, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Roberts to serve three years of supervised release.
Roberts was arrested on October 16, 2014 by officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department after he was found in possession of a firearm in the area of the Julius E. Sprauve Elementary School on St. John. Court records show that in August 2010, Roberts was convicted of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and reckless endangerment. On January 26, 2015, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm within a school zone.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Two Separate CasesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Jahseen Simmonds, 23, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to criminal charges filed in two separate cases, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
In the first case, Simmonds pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of prison contraband. As part of his plea, Simmonds admitted that on August 30, 2013, Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) officers seized two shanks or homemade knives from inside his cell at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility (Golden Grove) on St. Croix. Court records also show that on April 7, 2014, federal law enforcement officers found and seized a shank from under a mattress in Simmonds cell at Golden Grove.
In the second case, Simmonds pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm while under indictment. As part of his plea, Simmonds admitted that on January 2, 2015, while under indictment, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers searched and seized from his waist area a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun in the Ruby Rouss Housing Complex.
Simmonds is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the possession of prison contraband counts, as well as for the possession of a firearm while under indictment count. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2015.
This case was investigated by BOC, VIPD, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm by Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Eilin Montano, 35, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Montano admitted that he is in the United States unlawfully and without status, and that on November 17, 2014, he discharged a firearm with an obliterated serial number in a residential area while involved in a domestic disturbance.
Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David White.
Immigrant Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Thursday May 7, 2015, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Terrance L. Hanley a/k/a Robert A. Jenkins, 45, a national of St. Kitts, to 44 months in prison and three years of supervised release for illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Hanley was arrested on November 16, 2014 by agents of the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas after he attempted to board a flight to the mainland United States using the name Robert A. Jenkins. On January 15, 2015, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the United States.
Court records show that in December 2003, Hanley was arrested in New York for conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin, and was deported to St. Kitts in June 2014. He has not obtained permission to reenter the United States.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Shevron Percival, 25, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Possession of Prison Contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Percival admitted that on October 26, 2012, while he was an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) officers discovered a cellular telephone tied up in the waist string of the basketball shorts he was wearing. Cellular telephones are prohibited contraband in correctional facilities because they are known to be used by prisoners to intimidate witnesses, orchestrate narcotics transactions, and to facilitate other criminal activity, including murders.
Possession of prison contraband carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2015.
The case was investigated by BOC and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
French National Arrested on Charges of Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
Alain Rene Leichtnam, 71, a French national, was arrested April 30, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States in violation of law, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands. Leichtnam made his initial appearance on May 1, 2015, and had his detention hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller of the District of the Virgin Islands. Judge Miller detained Leichtnam pending further proceedings and he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to the complaint, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Air and Marine (OAM) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) intercepted a catamaran vessel, Mazurka, off of the coast of St. John, Virgin Islands, in the early morning hours of April 29, 2015. The vessel was operated by Leichtnam and contained 38 Cuban nationals and one national of St. Lucia. None of the individuals possessed the proper documents to lawfully enter the United States. Encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States carries a sentence of not more than five years in prison 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.
U.S. 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.
The case is being investigated by the CBP, OAM, the USCG and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm of the District of the Virgin Islands.
French National Arrested on Charges of Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Alain Rene Leichtnam, 71, a French national, was arrested April 30, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States in violation of law, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Leichtnam made his initial appearance on May 1, 2015, and had his detention hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Judge Miller detained Leichtnam pending further proceedings and he was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
According to the complaint, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) intercepted a catamaran vessel, Mazurka, off of the coast of St. John, Virgin Islands in the early morning hours of April 29, 2015. The vessel was operated by Leichtnam and contained 38 Cuban nationals and one national of St. Lucia. None of the individuals possessed the proper documents to lawfully enter the United States. Encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States carries a sentence of not more than five years in prison, 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.
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.
The case is being investigated by the CBP, OAM, the USSG, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
Two V.I. National Guard Soldiers Arrested on Charges of Wire Fraud, Theft, and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Two Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) soldiers have been arrested after a federal grand jury returned indictments charging them with wire fraud, theft of government money, and making false statements to the government, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
Staff Sergeant Emmrie Edwards, 37, who was arrested Thursday, is charged in a 49-count indictment with 47 counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and one count of making a false statement to the government. After his advice of rights hearing Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, Edwards was released on an unsecured $50,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for May 4, 2015.
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Alleyne, 45, who was also arrested Thursday, is charged in a 46-count indictment with 44 counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and one count of making a false statement to the government. After his advice of rights hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, Alleyne was released on an unsecured $50,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for May 6, 2015.
The indictments are the result of months of investigative work by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The charges for both soldiers relate to improper use of government issued housing allowance funds.
Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The theft of government money charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The making a false statement to the government charge carries 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 proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Stringer.
Two Arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Hugo Enrique Ogando, 37, and Miguel de los Santos, 37, were arrested Wednesday on a criminal complaint charging them with one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Ogando and de los Santos made their initial appearance today before Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch. A detention hearing is set for Monday.
According to the complaint, the men were found in possession of approximately four kilograms of a substance that tested positive for cocaine. Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine carries a sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to a maximum of 40 years.
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.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch on Wednesday sentenced Kirk T. Jordan, 39, to 30 months in prison for his conviction for felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent-in-Charge Hugo J. Barrera, and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards.
The Court also sentenced Jordan to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $100.00 special assessment.
Jordan pleaded guilty on February 10, 2015 to the felon in possession of a firearm charge. According to the plea agreement filed with the Court, on November 25, 2013, while police were investigating a shooting incident in which Jordan was a suspect, police asked him for the second firearm involved in the incident. Jordan told police that he threw the firearm away, and asked for an attorney. Subsequently, he made a telephone call, then notified the police that he had called his girlfriend, told her where to find the firearm, and asked her to bring it. Upon the girlfriend’s arrival, the police retrieved a Glock 9mm model 19 from the trunk of the girlfriend’s vehicle. At the time of the firearm seizure, Jordan was a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Four Arrested on Firearm Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- A federal grand jury has returned a 12-count indictment charging Tequan Anthony Joseph, 23, Ja’Moi Khadeem Corraspe, 22, D’Mari Jahcoi Heyliger, 22, and Calvia Lake, 20, with federal and territorial firearm offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Joseph was arrested Tuesday, April 14, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is awaiting transportation to St. Thomas. Corraspe was arrested Tuesday, April 14, 2015, in White Plains, New York, and is also awaiting transportation to St. Thomas. Heyliger was arrested Wednesday, April 15, 2015, on St. Thomas, and is detained pending a detention hearing and arraignment Friday in District Court. Lake was arrested Tuesday, April 14, 2015, on St. Thomas, and was released on bond. Her arraignment also is scheduled Friday in District Court.
According to the indictment, the three men and one woman conspired to unlawfully mail firearms from Florida to St. Thomas. The arrest of the four individuals resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service after the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted some of the packages with firearms.
Joseph is charged with three firearm conspiracy counts, one count of unlawful shipment of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers, and one count of unlawful mailing of a firearm. Heyliger is charged with two firearm conspiracy counts, two counts of possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers, and unlawful attempt to receive a firearm. Heyliger also is charged under Virgin Islands law with two counts of possession of a firearm with altered identification marks, and two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Corraspe is charged with three firearm conspiracy counts, and Lake is charged with one firearm conspiracy count.
Conspiracy to unlawfully mail firearms carries a maximum sentence of two years. The other federal offenses carry a maximum sentence of five years. The territorial charge of possession of firearms with altered identification marks carries a mandatory 15-year sentence, and the territorial charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm carries a maximum sentence of five years.
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 proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI - Juan Carlos Seguinot-Martinez, 34, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Seguinot-Martinez admitted that in December 2014 while he was in St. Croix, he purchased at least 500 grams of cocaine and mailed it to Buffalo, New York. United States Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted the package. Seguinot-Martinez lives in Puerto Rico.
Seguinot-Martinez is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 19, 2015
The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso Andrews and Rami S. Badawy.
Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Receipt of FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI - Gregory Williams, Jr., 24, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Illegal Receipt of a Firearm, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Williams admitted that on January 30, 2015, he received a package containing one .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol with an obliterated serial number. Williams admitted that the package was his and that he knew it contained a firearm. The package was mailed to St. Croix from Florida. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted the package.
Williams is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 19, 2015.
The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
Magistrate Judge Detains St. Croix Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon today issued an order detaining Nicolas Mena, 34, of St. Croix, who was arrested Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Mena made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cannon on Friday after his arrest, and had his detention hearing on Monday.
If convicted of receipt of child pornography, Mena faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Mena faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's HomelandSecurity Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami. S. Badawy.
Two Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics Following Their Arrests at the Airport in St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Amari Story, 23, and Kurt Reovan, 38, on April 9, 2015, charging them with conspiracy to distribute narcotics, possession with intent to distribute, and use of a communication facility to facilitate a narcotics crime, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
According to the indictment, on February 13, 2015, Stroy and Reovan entered the Cyril King Airport in St. Thomas on a flight from the mainland United States with approximately 9.9 kilograms of marijuana in a suitcase. After a search of the suitcase, Stroy and Reovan were arrested on February 13, 2015, and made their initial appearances on February 18, 2015, before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Each defendant was ordered detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Stroy and Reovan face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy and possession counts and four years for the use of communication facility to facilitate a drug crime, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public is reminded that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David White.
Clinton G. Todman, Jr. Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury today returned a four-count indictment charging Clinton G. Todman, Jr., 44, with federal and territorial firearm offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Todman was arrested on March 23, 2015 on a warrant issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. He was released on an unsecured $25,000 bond.
According to the indictment, at the time of his arrest, Todman possessed a Kel-Tec, .40 caliber pistol with its identifying marks obliterated. In 1991, Todman was convicted of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The federal charges against Todman are: felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The territorial charges are: unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an altered identification mark while driving. If convicted, Todman faces up to 10 years in prison on the federal counts. With respect to the territorial counts, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formalcharging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Mailing of FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Vonne Bailey, 24, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Unlawful Mailing of a Firearm, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Bailey admitted that on May 26, 2014, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted a package, shipped from outside the Virgin Islands, containing a Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol, a magazine, and a Smith and Wesson AR-15 lower receiver with an obliterated serial number. Federal agents traced the delivery to Bailey’s residence. Bailey admitted that he was responsible for and owned the package.
Bailey is facing a maximum sentence of two years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Rami Badawy.
Golden Grove Prisoner Sentenced to 30 Days in Prison for Cell Phone PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI - District Court Judge Raymond Finch, on March 30, 2015, sentenced Golden Grove Prisoner Al-Ahad Barbel, 29, to 30 days in prison for possession of prison contraband, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino. Barbel also was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 to the court. The 30 days must be served consecutively to the sentence Barbel was serving at the time of the offense.
On June 20, 2014, Barbel pleaded guilty to possession of prison contraband after law enforcement officers discovered and seized a cellular phone and a subscriber identity module from his person while he was an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility. On September 18, 2013, federal and local law enforcement officers conducted a search at the St. Croix facility for contraband. Cellular telephones are prohibited contraband in correctional facilities because they are known to be used by prisoners to intimidate witnesses, orchestrate narcotics transactions, and to facilitate other criminal activity, including murders.
The case was investigated by the V.I. Bureau of Corrections Gang Intelligence Search Team and the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso Andrews and Rami Badawy.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, on March 30, 2015, sentenced Rudy Bridges, 31, to 33 months in prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to court records, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors discovered 290 rounds of ammunition in Bridges’ luggage when he arrived in St. Thomas aboard a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale on April 18, 2013.
On December 18, 2014, Bridges pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Gomez also sentenced Bridges to three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and CBP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Jury Convicts Two St. Croix Men of Murder and Related Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI B After a two-week trial, on March 24, 2015, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Elvin Wrensford, 29, and Craig Muller, 30, of first degree murder and related firearm offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards announced today.
Wrensford was convicted of possession of a firearm in a school zone, using a firearm during a violent crime, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, murder first degree and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Muller was convicted of possession of a firearm in a school zone, murder first degree and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Murder in the first degree carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without parole. Both defendants were detained pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.
Evidence presented at trial established that during the afternoon on May 10, 2012, Wrensford and Muller were in a red truck and got into an alteration with an individual at Ben’s Car Wash. They followed the individual but then left the area and returned later in the red truck, Muller driving. They chased Hendricks, who had left Ben’s Car Wash, and Wrensford fired a gun at him. On May 12, 2012, Hendricks died from the gunshot wounds. Wrensford was linked to the firearm by DNA evidence. An eyewitness identified Wrensford as the shooter and Muller as 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 Arrested on Charges of Illegal Receipt of FirearmsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Gregory Williams, Jr., 23, of St. Croix, was arrested today and charged in District Court with illegal receipt of firearms, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and unauthorized possession of firearm, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Williams made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cannon and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2015.
Williams was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in three-count indictment.
If convicted of illegal receipt of firearms, Williams faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, he faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of unauthorized possession of a firearm, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The three-count indictment is the result of investigative work by U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the United States 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 an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Trinidad Woman Arrested on Charges of Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Ameena Ali, 39, of Trinidad, was arrested after a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against her on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, charging her with making a false statement in an application for a passport and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. On Wednesday March 18, 2015, Ali made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cannon in district court. She was released pending trial.
If convicted of making a false statement as charged, Ali faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, she faces a mandatory two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The two-count indictment is the result of months of investigative work by the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
An indictment 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 Charged with Federal and Local Crimes Related to Carjacking at the St. Croix Educational Complex High SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon arraigned James Cruz, 20, today on federal charges of Carjacking, Using a Firearm in a Crime of Violence and local charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Cannon ordered Cruz detained pending trial.
According to court records, the charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 21, 2015, at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School when Cruz and an unnamed juvenile stole a vehicle at gun point. Both persons were apprehended after fleeing from the pursuing police officers.
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Joe Dale Loomis, 57, of Oregon, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Loomis admitted that he was convicted of Sodomy in the First Degree, a sex offense involving a minor in Oregon in 1991. On or about October 22, 2013, Loomis traveled from Oregon to St. Croix. From that time through August 19, 2014, Loomis knowingly failed to register as a sex offender on St. Croix in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Loomis is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. No sentencing date has been set.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rami S. Badawy and Everard E. Potter.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Woman of Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – After a five-day jury trial, a federal jury on March 6, 2015 convicted St. Croix resident Ketisha Isles, 23,of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery and Interference with Commerce by Robbery, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Carlos Cases, and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards.
Evidence presented at trial established that on June 17, 2013, after Isles was buzzed into Perfection Jewelry Store, she held the door open for three masked gunmen to enter. Once in the store, one of the gunmen hit an employee several times with a gun. Another man stood at the door while the other two went behind the counter, broke the display case and stole approximately $100,000.00 worth of 14 carat gold jewelry. The evidence also showed that Isles knew of the robbery before it happened and agreed to hold the door open for the gunmen.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal and local partners to ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. Isles faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the two counts for which she was convicted. She was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond and remains free pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment on March 5, 2015, charging Donnie W. Williams, 31, of St. Thomas with federal child exploitation offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. The first three counts charge Williams with receipt of child pornography, and the last count charges him with possession of child pornography.
Williams was released on bond after his arrest on January 30, 2015, and is awaiting arraignment and advice of rights on the indictment. According to the indictment, Williams used his laptop computer to download child pornography images from a peer-to-peer sharing network. If convicted Williams faces a mandatory five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
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.
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 Homeland Security Investigations at (340) 693-2250.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Eilin Castillo Charged with Illegal Entry, Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on March 5, 2015, charging Eilin Montano Castillo, 33, of the Dominican Republic with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and illegal entry by an alien, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Castillo was arrested on November 17, 2014, and remains in custody while he awaits arraignment and advice of rights on the indictment. If convicted for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, Castillo faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and if convicted on the illegal entry by an alien charge, he faces a maximum of six months in prison.
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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David White.
Two St. Thomas Men Sentenced to Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, on March 4, 2015, sentenced Desi Henry, Jr., 21, to 40 months in prison for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and Jibri Roberts, 22, to five months in prison for possession of a firearm within a school zone, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
According to court records, both men were in possession of three firearms that were discovered after a traffic stop on September 24, 2014 on Veterans Drive, St. Thomas.
On December 8, 2014, Roberts pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in a school zone and Henry pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Judge Gomez sentenced Henry to 40 months in prison on each of the two gun charges, with both sentences to run concurrently. He also sentenced Henry to three years of supervised release and Roberts to one year of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Thursday, February 26, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Kuaumi Jn-Baptiste, 28, of St Thomas, to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Jn-Baptiste was arrested on July 4, 2014 by task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (DEA/HIDTA) after he was observed selling illegal narcotics in Cruz Bay, St. John. On November 26, 2014, he pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine.
This case was investigated by DEA/HIDTA, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard Potter.
St. Thomas Resident Sentenced to 124 Months in Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Troy Jamson Normil, 19, to 124 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Normil pleaded guilty on November 26, 2014 to carjacking a scooter and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking. Normil admitted that on December 23, 2013, at approximately 10 p.m., the victim was traveling up Suicide Hill in St. Thomas when Normil and an accomplice blocked his path with a light colored SUV. Normil and his accomplice approached the victim and Normil pointed a firearm at him demanding money. The victim advised Normil that he had no money and Normil told the victim he was taking his scooter. Normil then took the victim’s scooter and his cellular telephone and drove away in the SUV. The damaged scooter was recovered but the cellular telephone was never recovered.
In addition to a prison term, Normil was sentenced to five years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment and ordered to pay restitution to the victim for his losses.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
District Court Judge Sentences St. Thomas Man to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Judge Raymond L. Finch today sentenced Calieb Webster, 32, of St. Thomas, to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez.
Judge Finch also sentenced Webster to five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
On August 5, 2013, Webster pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Court records show that on February 27, 2012, Webster and his girlfriend presented themselves for primary inspection at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix for travel to New York via Miami. They were referred to a baggage control secondary inspection, and a search of Webster’s checked bag yielded a black plastic bag covered with clothing and aluminum foil. Upon further inspection, the Customs and Border Protection officer observed 15 rectangular-shaped objects wrapped in plastic. Six additional rectangular-shaped objects were found in Webster’s carry-on bag, and several in the girlfriend’s. The rectangular-shaped objects were analyzed and confirmed to contain 36.32 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry who prosecuted the case.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacture of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Luke Lubrin, 46, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of manufacture of marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea documents filed in court, Lubrin was growing marijuana plants on his property in Frederiksted. On June 26, 2014, members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 58 marijuana plants from Lubrin’s property. Lubrin admitted that the plants were his and that he grew them.
Lubrin is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon scheduled the sentencing for June 18, 2015.
The case was investigated by the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso Andrews and Rami S. Badawy.
District Court Judge Sentences St. Croix Man to 69 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Senior District Court Jude Raymond L. Finch today sentenced Jahmall Augustine, 20, to 57 months in prison for his felon in possession of a firearm conviction, and 12 months for possession of prison contraband, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino.
Judge Finch also sentenced Augustine to three years of supervised release on the felon in possession count, and one year of supervised release on the prison contraband count. The contraband possession count is to be served consecutively to the felon in possession count. On September 8, 2014, Augustine pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of prison contraband.
Court records show that on May 1, 2014, acting on a tip, a police officer approached Augustine’s car. The officer observed three smoked marijuana cigarettes and two phials. After obtaining Augustine’s consent, the officer searched the car and found a firearm and eight phials containing marijuana.
Court records also show that on April 4, 2013, Bureau of Corrections officials conducted a search of a cell occupied by Augustine and another inmate at Golden Grove Adult Correctional and Detention Facility. The officers discovered and seized one baggie containing marijuana, and a homemade knife, commonly referred to as a shank, from under Augustine’s mattress, both of which are prohibited objects.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the Virgin Islands Police Department, the DEA and Bureau of Corrections, who investigated the cases, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry, who prosecuted the cases.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Possessing Firearm with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- After a two-day trial in District Court on St. Thomas, a federal jury today found Jace Clendinen, 31, guilty of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on September 1, 2014, officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department were in the area of the Smith Bay Ballpark during Labor Day J’Ouvert activities when they witnessed an ammunition magazine fall from a flatbed truck carrying the band. Officers ordered everyone off of the truck to determine who had a firearm. Clendinen jumped from the truck and rapidly walked away from the officers. Officers pursued Clendinen and discovered a Fabrique Nationale firearm with an obliterated serial number in Clendinen’s pant leg.
Clendinen’s sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2015. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everard E. Potter and Segrid T. Sprotte.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Carlos Jamoi Norman, 23, to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On November 18, 2014, Norman pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment. Norman has been in custody since December 31, 2014.
According to documents filed in court, Norman was involved in an altercation in the Oswald Harris Court housing community during which shots were fired. When Virgin Islands police officers arrived at the scene, they were given descriptions of the persons discharging the firearms. Officers proceeded to go to each apartment to talk to the occupants. As officers approached the apartment in which Norman was located, he got up and ran. Norman was captured at the back door of the apartment. During a search of Norman, officers found a black holster on his waist. A search of the apartment revealed a Springfield Armory XD, .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
In addition to a prison term, Norman was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
St. John Man Sentenced to 17 Months in Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Davidson L. Alfred, 54, of St. John, to 17 months in prison and two years of supervised release for bank fraud, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez ordered Alfred to serve his sentence consecutively to a 16-month sentence he received on January 29, 2015, for violating the conditions of his supervised release in another criminal case, United States v. Alfred, Criminal No. 12-cr-36. At the conclusion of Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Alfred was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
Court records show that Alfred pleaded guilty to count one of an indictment, which charged him with presenting for payment a forged check to Banco Popular de Puerto Rico in the amount of $2,500. As part of his guilty plea, Alfred also admitted that he presented additional forged checks drawn on the same account, totaling approximately $44,450.00.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
Edwin Monsanto Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Edwin Monsanto, 54, of St. Thomas, to 33 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On January 29, 2014, Monsanto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine. Monsanto was arrested as part of the investigation of Roberto Tapia, Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Environmental Enforcement. On November 7, 2013, Monsanto was charged in a 69-count third superseding indictment, along with Tapia, Angelo Hill, Walter Hill, Jr., Stephen Torres, Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, and Angel L. Negron-Beltran.
As part of his sentence, Monsanto also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment, perform 150 hours of community service, and forfeit all proceeds of his crime.
The case was investigated by the Public Corruption Task Force, which comprises the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Virgin Islands Police Department; U.S. Marshals Service; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); United States Coast Guard; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. It was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim R. Lindquist and Kelly B. Lake, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
Four Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for St. Thomas Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Shaquim Fredericks, 20, Warkim J. Gabriel, 19, and Chefton C. Newton, 26, to 108 months in federal prison for their role in last year’s armed robbery of Imperial Jewelry Store on Main Street, St. Thomas, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Co-conspirator, Alvin M. Thomas, was sentenced to 85 months in prison.
After a jury trial in District Court in July, the jury found Fredericks, Gabriel, Newton and Thomas guilty of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
Evidence at the three-day trial revealed that at about 9:30 a.m. on March 15, 2014, Fredericks, Gabriel, Newton and Thomas, along with other conspirators, dressed in all black clothing, wearing ski masks and possessing at least three firearms, entered the store, pointed the handguns at the employees and patrons of the store, and proceeded to take several hundred pieces of jewelry with an overall value of $2 million dollars. The perpetrators jumped over counters, broke glass display cases, and placed the stolen jewelry in their backpacks. The patrons and employees were kept at bay by the perpetrators by threats of violence and firearms. The perpetrators then fled to the Catherineberg area where they were arrested. Some of the jewelry was recovered in close proximity to where the perpetrators were arrested shortly after the robbery. The three firearms were also recovered.
In addition to a prison term, each of the perpetrators was sentenced to three years of supervised release, a $300 special assessment, and ordered to pay restitution to the jewelry store’s insurance carrier.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Lake.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Tony Jefferson Browne, 31, of St Thomas, to 372 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez. Judge Gomez also sentenced Browne to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography, 240 months for receipt of child pornography, both with a lifetime of supervised release, and 120 months for transfer of obscene materials to a minor, with three years of supervised release. Browne was ordered to serve his sentences concurrently.
On March 4, 2014, after a two-day trial in District Court on St. Thomas, the jury found Browne guilty of 12 counts of federal child exploitation offenses involving four girls ranging from ages 12 to 17. The jury found Browne guilty of four counts of production of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, four counts of receipt of child pornography, and three counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Browne first made contact with the minor girls on Facebook, where he pretended to be a female and befriended them. After befriending the minors, Browne persuaded them to send him nude and sexually suggestive photos of themselves. After receiving the photos, Browne then contacted the minors using his Facebook account “Billy Button,” and threatened to place the minors’ nude and sexually suggestive photos on the Internet if they did not send him additional photos and have sex with him.
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 HSI at (340) 693-2250.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of HSI, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard Potter, who prosecuted the case.
Golden Grove Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Providing Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Former Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) officer Marcel Scotland pleaded guilty Friday in District Court on St. Croix to providing prison contraband, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on January 31, 2014, Scotland appeared for work at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility on St. Croix where he was employed as a corrections officer. As he entered the Golden Grove facility, he was asked topresent his bag for a search by a BOC official. When the official took possession of Scotland's bag, Scotland fled. A search of the bag revealed multiple cigarette lighters, rolling papers, cookies, multiple dime baggies, and a bag of marijuana. The BOC official called the Virgin Islands Police (VIPD), and VIPD notified the DEA. Scotland subsequently surrendered and told the DEA that he brought the items for an inmate but was unaware that drugs were present.
“It is a violation of federal and local law to introduce, or attempt to introduce, contraband into a prison or detention facility,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said.
A sentencing date has been set for May 20, 2015. Scotland faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by the DEA and VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews.