District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Paul Girard, 27, pleaded guilty Friday in federal court on St. Croix to Possession of Prison Contraband , United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino announced.
Girard pleaded guilty to four counts including two counts to possessing cell phones and chargers and one count of possessing a knife and one of possessing a shank or homemade knife.
According to the plea agreement, on November 16, 2012, Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections officials searched a cell occupied by Girard and another inmate and seized two cell phones and 24 ‘dime’ bags of marijuana. Text messages from one of the cell phones contained Girard’s nickname and phone number. On January 16, 2013, Bureau of Corrections officials searched another cell occupied solely by Girard and seized a knife, a cell phone and 34 dime bags of marijuana from the cell. The phone contained several photos of Girard.
On June 18, 2013, Bureau of Corrections officials searched a third cell occupied solely by Girard and seized a cell phone and a dime bag of marijuana. The seized phone contained several photos of Girard.
On April 7, 2014, pursuant to a federal search warrant, federal agents searched a fourth cell occupied solely by Girard and seized a homemade weapon commonly referred to as a shank, an iPad, and marijuana. The iPad contained a video depicting Girard and others in a Golden Grove prison cell.
AWhile cell phones appear harmless, in prison they pose a real danger. They can be used to conduct drug transactions both in and out of the prison. They can also be used to arrange ‘hits’ on unsuspecting targets including other inmates and persons in the community,@ U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe said.
Girard faces a maximum sentence of one year incarceration and a fine of $100,000 on the cell phone counts and a maximum sentence of five years of incarceration and a fine of $250,000 on the knife and shank counts. A sentencing date has been set for May 13, 2015.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the DEA and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Alphonso Andrews who prosecuted it.
Jury Convicts Gregoire George of Possession of Prison Contraband ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI B After a three-day trial, a federal jury on St. Croix convicted Gregoire George, 37, of St. Thomas, of two counts of Possession of Prison Contraband and one count of Promoting Prison Contraband announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe, , Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino, and United States Marshal Cheryl Jacobs.
The top count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. George remains incarcerated pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.
Evidence presented at trial established that on June 14, 2013, while an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, George was found to be in possession of a cellular phone and a homemade weapon commonly referred to as a shank. Both prohibited items were found inside his cell by Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections Officers.
"Contraband in prison is something that threatens the safety and security of inmates, employees, and the community as whole. Inmates in possession of cellular telephones present a particularly sinister threat as they can be used to facilitate criminal activity including narcotics distribution and murder, " U.S. Attorney Sharpe said.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the DEA, USMS and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections who investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorneys Rami S. Badawy and Everard Potter who prosecuted it.
Golden Grove Prisoner Sentenced to Four Months in Prison for Cell Phone PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI - District Court Judge Raymond Finch, on December 22, 2014, sentenced Golden Grove Prisoner Avery Monsanto, age 51, to four months in prison for Possession of Prison Contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino announced. The sentence must be served consecutively to the sentence Monsanto was serving at the time of the offense. The Court also sentenced Monsanto to one year of supervised release.
Monsanto entered a guilty plea to Possession of Prison Contraband on August 6, 2014. The offense stemmed from a search of Monsanto’s prison cell while he was an inmate at Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility located on St. Croix on April 7, 2014. Law enforcement officers discovered and seized three cellular telephones in a cell solely occupied by Monsanto. 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. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard Potter and Rami Badawy.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Raheem T. Creque, 37, of St Thomas, to 25 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Gomez also sentenced Creque to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release for escape from custody. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Creque was arrested on January 21, 2014 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and charged with enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity through use of a facility of interstate commerce. After his detention hearing on January 22, 2014, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller ordered Creque held without bail, and remanded him to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. On January 23, 2014, Creque escaped from the V.I. Bureau of Corrections at the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex. On January 24, 2014, Judge Gomez issued an arrest warrant for Creque, and after an aggressive, multi-agency manhunt, Creque was arrested on February 28, 2014. On July 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to three counts of child pornography and one count of escape from custody.
According to court records, Creque came to the attention of law enforcement when a female minor contacted the V.I. Police Department (VIPD) and complained that the defendant had extorted her for sex, threatening to place nude images of her on the Internet. Creque first contacted the minor when she was 15 years old, and told her that he had a sexually explicit video of her, and that he would post it on Facebook if she did not have sex with him. The female minor begged Creque not to release the video, but he continued to threaten her until she complied with his demands. During his sexual assault of the female minor, Creque took a photo of the minor, which he used to further extort her by threatening to post it on Facebook.
Court records also reveal that searches of Creque’s cell phone and Facebook account revealed multiple nude images of other minor females, the youngest being 12, with some of the minors engaged in sexual contact with Creque. When he made his initial contact with the female minors, Creque pretended to be a teenage boy named “Carlos,” and would send images of “Carlos” to the minor victims.
This case was investigated by HSI and VIPD, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Former V.i. Army National Guard Major Indicted for Theft of Public Funds and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury has returned a 38-count indictment charging former Virgin Islands National Guard Major Sherrymae Morales, 54, with theft of public money, wire fraud and false statements, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. The indictment was returned on December 4, 2014, but was unsealed Wednesday when Morales appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and entered a plea of not guilty. She was released on an unsecured $25,000 bond.
According to the indictment, 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. The indictment alleges that Morales submitted time sheets to both the MPSC and VING for the same 40-hour work weeks over a period of 14 months. If convicted, Morales faces up to 20 years in federal 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.
The case is being investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command-Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Possessing Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Friday December 19, 2014, Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Miguel Angel Pascual-Pichardo, 37, to 63 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Chief Judge Lewis also sentenced Pascual-Pichardo to serve four years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
Court records show that on January 9, 2014, police lawfully searched the vehicle that Pascual-Pichardo was driving and found several duffle bags containing 228 kilos of cocaine. On January 27, 2014, Pascual-Pichardo pleaded guilty. At the conclusion of Friday’s sentencing hearing, he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Orville Williams Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Orville Williams, 24, to 36 months in prison for carjacking, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Williams was arrested on December 3, 2013 as part of the investigation of carjackings in the area of the Donoe Bypass on St. Thomas. On April 17, 2014, he and co-defendant Troy Normil were charged in an Amended Information with carjacking, robbery, assault and weapons charges. On April 23, 2014, Williams pleaded guilty to carjacking.
In addition to a prison term, Williams was sentenced to three years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and ordered to pay restitution.
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.
St. Kitts National Indicted on Illegal Reentry and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – A federal grand jury on St. Thomas has returned a four-count indictment charging Terrance L. Hanley, 44, also known as Robert A. Jenkins, with illegal reentry into the United States, identity theft, making false statements, and making false claims to citizenship, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today.
According to the indictment, which was returned on Thursday, Hanley presented a false Florida driver’s license to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on November 16, 2014 at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas bearing the name Robert A. Jenkins, and told agents that he was a citizen of the United States. Further inquiries at the secondary inspection checkpoint determined that the defendant’s true name is Terrance L. Hanley, and that he is a convicted felon and national of St. Kitts and Nevis, who was deported from the United States on June 18, 2014. If convicted of the illegal reentry offense as alleged in Count One of the indictment, Hanley faces up to 20 years in federal 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.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard E. Potter.
Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Convicted of Bribery and ExtortionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – After a three-day trial, a federal jury found the former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands guilty of accepting bribes and extortion in the awarding of contracts with the Legislature.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
Louis “Lolo” Willis, 56, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, was convicted of two counts of federal programs bribery and two counts of extortion under color of official right. U.S. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez of the District of the Virgin Islands set the sentencing hearing for Feb. 13, 2015.
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 payment 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 contracting work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.
This case was investigated by the FBI-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 Attorneys Peter Mason and Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Delia Smith of the District of the Virgin Islands. Former Trial Attorneys Tracee Plowell and Jennifer Blackwell and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Lindquist assisted in the investigation of the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit to Remove Unauthorized Individuals, Structures and Vehicles from Federal Park Land on St. JohnRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that the United States has filed suit in United States District Court seeking the removal of several individuals from a parcel of property in the Virgin Islands National Park. The United States’ complaint alleges that 16 individuals are unlawfully occupying and living on National Park land, have illegally erected ten structures on the property and have placed 11 vehicles, abandoned appliances, trash, and livestock on the property. The civil complaint further alleges that those individuals have installed unauthorized electrical and water lines to the property and made illegal alterations to a public road. According to the complaint, since the individuals began the unlawful occupation, there have been documented incidents of them harassing park visitors, hikers, and even adjacent landowners using the public road.
As set forth in the complaint, the land was donated to the United States in 1956 for the creation of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. The land was donated on the condition that it be used solely for the creation of the National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for managing National Parks, including the Virgin Islands National Park. Under federal law, individuals are prohibited from living on or erecting structures on National Park land without authorization from the NPS.
NPS discovered the illegal occupation in 2010. Since that time, NPS engaged in discussions and meetings with the individuals regarding ownership of the property. NPS presented the individuals with substantial evidence demonstrating the United States’ ownership of the property, including its recorded deed, surveys, and reports by licensed surveyors. At the same time, NPS gave the individuals every opportunity to substantiate their claim to ownership. However, the individuals have not produced any evidence to the NPS showing they have a legally cognizable ownership interest in the property. NPS therefore requested that the individuals voluntarily leave, but the individuals have refused.
“The NPS is statutorily obligated the protect Virgin Islands National Park land to ensure that it is open to the public,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “Individuals who take National Park land for themselves destroy the spirit of the Park and prevent the public from enjoying the Park’s natural beauty. This office and the NPS will defend the integrity of the Park, including by removing unauthorized persons, vehicles, and buildings when necessary.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah Sacks is representing the National Park Service in this case.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 15 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on Thursday, November 13, 2014, sentenced Keon I. Smith, 29, to 15 months in prison, for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On June 11, 2014, Smith pleaded guilty to count one of a three-count information charging him with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Court records show that on March 21, 2014, officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) conducted a traffic stop of Smith in the area of the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas. A strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle prompted the officers to conduct a search of the vehicle. The officers discovered a Glock Model 26, 9mm firearm, with its serial number obliterated in the back pouch of the front passenger seat. A check of VIPD records revealed that Smith was not licensed to possess a firearm.
In addition to 15 months in prison, Smith received three years’ supervised release, was ordered to pay a fine of $3,000 and a $100 special assessment. Smith was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the VIPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter prosecuted the case.
St. Thomas Man Arrested for Being A Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Rudy Bridges, 31, of St. Thomas appeared today in District Court on St. Thomas for an advice of rights hearing after his arrest today for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Bridges was released on his personal recognizance.
A federal grand jury indicted Bridges on November 6, 2014, in a one-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition on April 18, 2013. Under federal law a person convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition faces a sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr.
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Attempting to Bring Guns into St. Thomas on AircraftRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Emmanuel Benel Cuadrado, 24, to 14 months in prison for the attempted illegal transportation of guns from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Angel Melendez.
On June 10, 2014, Cuadrado, a resident of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to count two of a twocount information charging him with the attempted transportation of firearms on an aircraft. Court records show that on April 13, 2014, Cuadrado traveled from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas on a Jet Blue flight and checked a box containing three firearms. United States Customs and Border Protection officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents intercepted the firearms prior to the flight’s departure from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas. The three firearms were removed from the box and replaced with two fake firearms. Upon the flight’s arrival in St. Thomas, Cuadrado retrieved the box from the airport’s baggage claim area and was arrested.
In addition to 14 months in prison, Cuadrado received three (3) years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 special assessment. He was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was investigated by HSI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Illegal Immigrant Sentenced to 8 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Amin Abel Gonell-Artiles, 34, to seven months in prison for illegal reentry into the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On June 2, 2014, Gonell-Artiles, a national of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to a onecount indictment charging him with illegal reentry into the United States. Court records show that Gonell-Artiles was removed from the United States on March 4, 2011 after his conviction for Social Security fraud. On February 26, 2014, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Division of Enforcement and Removal Operations found Gonell-Artiles in the United States, and he did not have the required authorization to reenter the United States.
In addition to seven months in prison, Gonell-Artiles was sentenced to one month home confinement and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. He was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Division of Enforcement and Removal Operations, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
U.S. Attorney Appoints Contact to Handle Election ComplaintsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 4, 2014 general elections. AUSA Andrews has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of the Virgin Islands, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” United States Attorney Sharpe said. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.
Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 4, 2014, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Sharpe said that Andrews will be on duty while the polls are open. He can be reached at the following telephone numbers: (340) 773-3920 ext. 24865 or (340) 344-0503.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached at (340) 718-7922 on St. Croix and at 340) 777-3363 on St. Thomas.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. as follows: by phone (800) 253-3931 or (202) 307-2767; by fax (202) 307-3961; by email [email protected], or by complaint form http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” United States Attorney Sharpe said. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Walter Hill, Jr., Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Walter Hill, Jr., 46, of St. John, VI, on October 23, 2014, to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, a $300 special monetary assessment, 300 hours of community service, and ordered forfeiture of property constituting the proceeds of the crime, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On March 27, 2014, a federal jury convicted Hill of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and use of a communication facility, namely, a telephone, to facilitate a drug crime. Hill 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, he was charged in a 69-count third superseding indictment, along with Tapia, Angelo Hill, Stephen Torres, Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, Angel L. Negron-Beltran, and Edwin Monsanto.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly B. Lake.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 67 Months IncarcerationRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Hector Mejia-Patino, 26, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on October 23, 2014, to 67 months of incarceration, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special monetary assessment announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Vito Guarino.
According to the plea agreement, from June 2013 thru September 2013, Mejia-Patino participated in several telephone conversations and exchanged text messages with an undercover Task Force Officer (“UC”) assigned to the DEA in order to conduct a transaction involving multiple kilograms of cocaine. During one of those conversations, Mejia-Patino agreed to introduce the UC to his co-conspirator to facilitate the drug transaction because Mejia-Patino was out of the territory at the time. The UC traveled to St. Thomas and met with Mejia-Patino's co-conspirators at the Crown Bay Marina. Before the drug transaction was completed, the co-conspirators were arrested for possessing 11 kilograms of cocaine. On January 10, 2014, Mejia-Patino was arrested for his role in this offense. On April 3, 2014, Mejia-Patino pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael A. Meyers, Jr.
Two Haitian Men Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Alien Smuggling Conspiracy That Killed EightRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On Thursday, October 16, 2014, District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced both Dieuseul Mompremier, 43, also known as “Jomei,” and Lamorthe Delva, 46, to 57 months imprisonment, five years supervised release and a $100 special assessment for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States, which resulted in the death of eight individuals, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Angel Melendez announced. Edourre, who was arrested and prosecuted in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for manslaughter, is currently serving a 10-year sentence. Mompremier and Delva, who have been incarcerated since their arrests on April 11, 2014, were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving their sentences.
Delva and Mompremier each pleaded guilty to Count One of an indictment charging them with alien smuggling. Delva pleaded guilty on May 23, 2014, and Mompremier pleaded guilty on June 19, 2014. According to court records, in December 2010, Mompremier, Delva, and Roro Edourre, 46, conspired with each other and additional co-conspirators to smuggle illegal aliens from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. On December 5, 2010, Edourre was the captain on the vessel “Jesus La,” with approximately 33 passengers, most of them Haitian nationals, including men, women and children, when the vessel traveled from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, to the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Edourre was transporting the illegal aliens on the vessel, Mompremier and Delva waited in the U.S. Virgin Islands to pick up and transport the aliens upon their arrival in St. John. The U.S. Coast Guard spotted the vessel carrying Edourre and his passengers, and attempted to intercept it. However, Edourre attempted to evade the Coast Guard. While attempting to evade the Coast Guard, the “Jesus La” ran aground and sank near Tortola, BVI, resulting in the death of at least eight individuals, including four children.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the investigative work of ICE, HSI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm, who prosecuted this case.
St. Thomas Man Arraigned on Charges of Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Carlos Norman, 22, appeared today in District Court on St. Thomas for arraignment after his arrest for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Norman was released on an unsecured $20,000 bond.
Norman was arrested Friday pursuant to a warrant issued after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 7, 2014 in a one-count indictment charging him with possession of an obliterated firearm on April 28, 2014.
Under federal law, a person convicted of possession of a firearm with the manufacturer’s serial number removed faces a sentence of not more than 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Manufacturing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, October 2, 2014, Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Scott Bass, 41, to 16 months imprisonment, one year of supervised release and a $100.00 special assessment.
On May 14, 2014, Bass pleaded guilty to Count One of an indictment charging him with manufacturing marijuana. Court records show that Bass was arrested on August 16, 2013, after federal agents and task force officers searched the downstairs apartment of his residence and seized 102 marijuana plants, processed marijuana and marijuana cultivation equipment. The marijuana was intended for distribution.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Jace Antonio Edwards, 41, to 120 months in prison for attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
After a three-day jury trial, on March 19, 2014, Edwards was convicted of attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Evidence at trial established that on October 22, 2011, Edwards attempted to retrieve six kilograms of sham cocaine that he believed had been shipped to Atlanta from St. Thomas as part of a drug conspiracy. Leayle Benjamin, Jr., Aben Marrero and Michael Samuels, all of whom were convicted in a separate trial, conspired to smuggle cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas to Atlanta, Georgia. Benjamin and Marrero were employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority assigned to the maintenance division. The cocaine was passed to a co-conspirator under the partitions in the bathroom of the Cyril E. King Airport. The co-conspirator was arrested at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia after arriving on board a flight from St. Thomas with 7.025 kilograms of cocaine in his carry-on suitcase. The co-conspirator agreed to cooperate with the government and made consensually monitored telephone calls that resulted in theapprehension of Edwards. During his trial, Edwards was acquitted of the conspiracy count. The coconspirator pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Georgia to importation of cocaine, and testified in the Edwards trial.
In addition to 120 months in prison, Edwards was sentenced to five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment and forfeit $113,400 to the United States. Edwards was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones prosecuted the case.
Former Postal Clerk Convicted of Embezzling from U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- After a two-day trial in the District Court in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, a federal jury today found Rosemarie Peltier, a former postal clerk, guilty of embezzling thousands of dollars from the United States Postal Service (USPS), announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Medina of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service in Puerto Rico.
Peltier, who was employed at the Aubrey C. Ottley Post Office in Estate Thomas, was indicted earlier this year by a Federal Grand Jury for Misappropriation of Postal Funds, Embezzlement of Government Property, and False Entries and Reports of Money. The evidence presented at trial showed that Peltier devised a scheme to defraud and embezzle from the USPS by misusing the machine used to issue and record money orders. To cover up her crime, Peltier would then make false entries into the USPS’ computer system in an attempt to conceal the money that she embezzled. The evidence also showed that between 2010 and 2013, Peltier embezzled nearly $30,000. After deliberating for several hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Peltier was released on conditions, including an unsecured bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for January 22, 2015.
Peltier faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000 on each count of conviction. United States Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr.
St Thomas Man Arrested and Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Drugs Within 1,000 Feet of A SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Nyah Henry, 25, of St. Thomas was arrested Wednesday for possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Henry appeared today in United States District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and was released on conditions, including a $25,000 unsecured bond.
Henry was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in a two-count indictment charging him with (1) possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school on January 18, 2014, and (2) possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school on January 18, 2014.
Under federal law, a person who distributes controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school faces a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in federal prison. Henry also faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2014.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr.
St. Croix Man Sentenced for Marijuana PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday August 28, 2014, Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Fernando Cabret III, 30, to three months of home confinement, a fine of $2,500.00, $25.00 special assessment and one year of federal supervised release for possession of marijuana. Chief Judge Lewis also sentenced Cabret, to 60 hours of community service to speak publicly about the crime he committed, the consequences suffered and how his life has changed.
Court records show that Cabret was arrested on August 14, 2013 after federal agents and Task Force officers searched his home pursuant to a warrant and seized 23 rooted and eight cut or up-rooted marijuana plants, small amounts of processed marijuana and marijuana cultivation equipment. He was initially charged with the possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and later pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Three St. Croix Men Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Firearms Offense and Robbery Third DegreeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Monday August 18, 2014, Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced defendants Francisco “Cisco” Hassell III, 29, Edwin Hendrickson, Jr., 28, and Rusiel “Romeo” Encarnacion, 33, to ten years in prison for their roles in two armed robberies. Each defendant received a three year prison sentence for robbery third degree. In addition, Judge Lewis imposed a consecutive 84- month prison term on each defendant for using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Under federal law, any sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence must be run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed for the crime of violence during which the gun was used.
Court records show that Hassell III, Hendrickson, Jr. and Encarnacion were arrested on January 13, 2013 by the VIPD after they robbed patrons at gunpoint at the Cool Out Bar in Peter’s Rest. Shortly after the robbery at the Cool Out Bar, Hassell III, Hendrickson, Jr. and Encarnacion saw two individuals walking on Hospital Street in the vicinity of the Virgin Islands Police Department Marine Unit and robbed them at gunpoint as well. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury and pled guilty on February 14, 2014. They have been detained since their arrest and were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of Monday’s sentencing.
"As these sentences show, those who use guns to engage in violent acts against the citizens of the Virgin Islands will be vigorously prosecuted and subject to stiff punishment, " U.S. Attorney Sharpe said.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Alphonso Andrews.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe Encourages Use of Policy to Help Children of Arrested ParentsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe is encouraging law enforcement and child welfare agencies to take advantage of a new model policy that addresses what actions should be taken to help children deal with the trauma associated with the arrest of a parent. The policy was released Thursday by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and is available at: www.bja.gov/Publications/IACP-SafeguardingChildren.pdf.
“I hope that this policy and the information it provides will assist law enforcement in the Virgin Islands better understand how the arrest of a parent can adversely affect a child, and provide strategies for minimizing a child’s trauma in a positive way,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. The full text of the Department of Justice press release announcing the model policy is set forth below:
Department of Justice and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Release Groundbreaking Model Policy
Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents
The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), today released a seminal model policy regarding police interaction with children who are impacted when a parent is arrested and law enforcement carries out its investigative and arrest responsibilities. Reflecting the collective input of a wide range of subject-matter experts and stakeholders, and understanding that interactions between children and law enforcement create lasting impressions, the resulting model policy, Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents, provides strategies for law enforcement to improve their procedures and positively impact the communities they serve.
“Limiting a child’s exposure to potentially traumatic events is an operationally sound and necessary law enforcement strategy,” said Deputy Attorney General James Cole. “It is also consistent with law enforcement’s duty to serve the community as a whole. It is an important part of the principles of community policing, problem solving, and conflict resolution.”
Funded through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents is an important resource for law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies will find the information contained in this document highly instructive as they seek to enhance their policies and procedures and gain understanding about the trauma children experience when law enforcement carries out its investigative and arrest responsibilities.
“Trauma associated with the arrest of a parent can have devastating and long term effects on the life of a child,” said Cecilia Muñoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. “This administration is committed to advancing policies and programs that support the children of incarcerated parents and ensure that their futures remain bright with possibility. Implementation of this new protocol, first announced in 2013 during a White House Champions of Change event, will help limit these children's exposure to trauma and encourage positive interactions between members of law enforcement and the communities that they serve.”
In addition to the development of the model policy, IACP is developing a training curriculum that will be delivered through webinars and a number of training sessions at conferences around the country.
“Police officers are confronted with significant challenges and responsibilities when children are present or in need of care and supervision following the arrest of a parent,” said BJA Director Denise E. O’Donnell. “We are pleased to partner with IACP on a new model policy that provides sound, practical, and child-focused guidance on how police can join with their community partners to best meet the needs of children in these difficult circumstances.”
Raymond Brown Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Use of A Communication Facility to Facilitate A Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Raymond Brown to 48 months in prison for use of a communication facility to facilitate a federal drug crime, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Brown, 29, was arrested on July 17, 2013, as part of the investigation of Roberto Tapia, Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Environmental Enforcement and charged on November 7, 2013, in a 69-count third superseding indictment, along with seven other defendants, including Angelo Hill, Hector Alcenio, Angel Negron-Betran, and Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Stephen Torres, Walter Hill, and Edwin Monsanto. On March 27, 2014, Brown was found guilty by a St. Thomas jury to one count of use of a communication facility to facilitate a federal drug crime.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that on December 2, 2012 Brown spoke to Roberto Tapia on a cellular telephone to arrange the distribution and transportation of two kilograms of cocaine. The evidence further showed that Roberto Tapia then transported the cocaine from St. Thomas to a buyer in Puerto Rico.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly B. Lake prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien and Convicted Felon Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegally Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Ray Anthony Wayne, 43, to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported for a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Court records show that on December 31, 2013, Wayne was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB), after he presented a fraudulent Virgin Islands birth certificate and driver’s license while attempting to board a flight to Miami at Cyril E. King Airport located on St. Thomas. Court records also show that Wayne was deported from the United States on June 3, 2013, after being convicted of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, a felony offense. Under federal law, deported felons, such as Wayne, are prohibited from re-entering the United States. On March 27, 2014, Wayne pled guilty to illegally entering the United States after having been deported. Wayne, who has been detained since his arrest, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusions of today’s sentencing hearing.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael A. Meyers, Jr.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles Food Stamp Fraud Cases with 4 Mini Mart Stores for over $100,000Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that the United States has entered into civil settlement agreements with four Virgin Islands convenience stores to resolve allegations that the stores unlawfully traded food stamp benefits for cash. The settlement requires the four stores to pay the United States in excess of $100,000, and be permanently debarred from participating in the Food Stamp Program.
“Food stamp fraud hurts children and the elderly who rely on these monthly allowances for their food,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “When a substantial portion of these benefits are used to pay the retailers instead of feed these vulnerable individuals, the entire community suffers.”
The four convenience stores involved in the settlements are: Lower Love Service Station in Frederiksted on St. Croix; and Broadway Food Mart in the Fort Mylner Shopping Center, In and Out Mini Mart in Frydendahl, and Max Mart in Nisky Center on St. Thomas.
The Food Stamp Program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is administered in the Virgin Islands by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. The program provides funds to low-income individuals to allow them to purchase more nutritious foods. Eligible individuals receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe said that the four settlement agreements are part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address food stamp fraud in the territory. “We are putting retailers who trade food stamp benefits for cash on notice that federal authorities are on their trail,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “Retailers who engage in food stamp fraud are subject to both civil monetary penalties and criminal penalties, including jail time.”
USDA is moving aggressively to control food stamp trafficking by using SNAP purchase data to identify suspicious transaction patterns, conducting undercover investigations, and collaborating with other investigative agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement.
SNAP retailers and recipients are reminded that only eligible food items can be exchanged for EBT benefits, and that it is illegal to exchange EBT benefits for cash or non-food items such as tobacco, alcohol, and lottery tickets.
For more information about the SNAP program or to report SNAP fraud, please go to www.fns.usda.gov. Fraud complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (340) 774-5757.
Federal Jury Convicts 4 in St. Thomas Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – After a three-day trial in District Court in St. Thomas, a federal jury on Wednesday found four men guilty of the armed robbery of Imperial Jewelry Store in St. Thomas, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Shaquim Fredericks, 19, Warkim Gabriel, 18, Alvin Thomas, 19, and Chefton Newton, 26, all of St. Thomas, were convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery and Conspiracy to Use a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
According to the evidence presented at trial, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on March 15, 2014, seven masked individuals, entered Imperial Jewelry Store located on Main Street, St Thomas, and robbed the store of approximately $1 million worth of jewelry. Some of the robbers brandished firearms, while the others used tools to break display cases and grab the jewelry. During the robbery, store employees had firearms pointed at their heads by the robbers.
After approximately 90 seconds inside the store, all seven individuals fled. Shortly thereafter, Virgin Islands Police Department officers found six suspects, including the four defendants, hiding in the thick brush in the area of Fireburn Hill. VIPD officers also discovered a significant amount of jewelry, three firearms, and clothing in the brush near where the defendants were hiding. Two of the individuals arrested are juveniles. Their cases are being handled by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.
The defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing for all four defendants is scheduled for December 4, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the collaborative work of the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, which investigated the case. “Today’s verdict demonstrates that when federal and local forces join together, we can work quickly to ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice.” Sharpe said. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly B. Lake.
Puerto Rico Resident 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 Stephen Torres of Puerto Rico to 33 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Torres, 27, was arrested as part of the investigation of Roberto Tapia, former Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Environmental Enforcement. On November 7, 2013, Torres was charged in a 69-count third superseding indictment, along with seven other defendants, including former Virgin Islands Police Department Sergeant Angelo Hill, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, Angel Negron-Beltran, Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Walter Hill, and Edwin Monsanto. On January 29, 2014, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands 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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly B. Lake and Kim Lindquist prosecuted the case.
Angel Negron-Beltran Sentenced to 38 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 Angel Negron-Beltran to 38 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Negron-Beltran, 53, 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, Negron-Beltran was charged in a 69-count indictment, along with seven other defendants, including former Virgin Islands Police Department Sergeant Angelo Hill, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, Stephen Torres, and Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Walter Hill, and Edwin Monsanto. On January 29, 2014, Negron-Beltran pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
In addition to the 38 months’ incarceration, Negron-Beltran was placed on four years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly B. Lake and Kim Lindquist prosecuted the case.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced that Marvin Griffin, 50, of St Thomas, Virgin Islands was sentenced yesterday in District Court to 100 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine. After serving his prison sentence, Griffin will be on Federal supervised release for four years. Griffin was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service to complete service of his sentence.
According to court records, on September 29, 2013, the defendant Griffin arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport and attempted to board an American Airlines flight to New York. Griffin had a black backpack, plastic bag and a box in his possession as he entered the primary inspection area of the airport. When the Officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) questioned Griffin about the contents of the box, he stated that the box contained various food items. As a result of his answers, he was referred to the Agricultural Specialist. When the Agricultural Specialist opened the black backpack, she immediately noticed the odor of marijuana. As subsequent search of the box in Griffin’s possession revealed it to contain several cans. When these cans were opened, they were found to contain five kilograms of cocaine. Griffin was then placed under arrest. He pleaded guilty on February 20, 2014 and has been incarcerated since that date. The case was investigated by CBP and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael A. Meyers, Jr.
Marcel Henderson Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Receipt of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe stated that Marcel Henderson, 25, of St. Thomas was sentenced today in United States District Court to 71 months in prison for the illegal possession of firearms. Henderson, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. After serving his prison sentence, Henderson will be on Federal supervised release for 3 years. Henderson, who has been incarcerated since his arrest last December, was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
According to court records, on December 12, 2013, officers of Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package containing four firearms and 230 rounds of ammunition which hand been mailed to St. Thomas. Two of the firearms had obliterated serial numbers. Court records also show that the intended recipient of this package was Henderson. Further investigation revealed that Henderson was convicted in the Virgin Islands Superior Court on August 5, 2010 for attempted armed robbery for which he received a sentence of three years’ incarceration, with all suspended except four months. The defendant pled guilty on February 24, 2014.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD ). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael A. Meyers, Jr.
Second Haitian Man Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling Conspiracy That Killed 8Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Dieuseul Mompremier, 44, also known as “Jomei,” a Haitian national living in St. Thomas, pleaded guilty today in federal district court for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States, which resulted in the death of eight individuals, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Mompremier, who has been incarcerated since his arrest on April 11, 2014, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing, scheduled for September 25, 2014 before District Judge Curtis V. Gomez.
According to court records, in December 2010, Mompremier, Lamorthe Delva, 46, and Roro Edourre, 46, conspired with each other and additional co-conspirators to smuggle illegal aliens from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. On December 5, 2010, Edourre was the captain on the vessel “Jesus La,” with approximately 33 passengers, most of them Haitian nationals, including men, women and children, when the vessel traveled from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, to the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Edourre was transporting the illegal aliens on the vessel, Mompremier and Delva waited in the U.S. Virgin Islands to pick up and transport the aliens upon their arrival in St. John. The U.S. Coast Guard spotted the vessel carrying Edourre and his passengers, and attempted to intercept it. However, Edourre attempted to evade the Coast Guard. While attempting to evade the Coast Guard, the “Jesus La” ran aground and sank near Tortola, resulting in the death of at least eight individuals, including four children.
Mompremier faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Delva pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy on May 23, 2014, and is awaiting sentencing, Edourre, who was arrested and prosecuted in the British Virgin Islands for manslaughter, is currently serving a 10-year sentence.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the investigative work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm, who is prosecuting this case.
Eddie Lopez-Lopez Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Eddie Lopez-Lopez, 36, to 33 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to court records, Lopez-Lopez was arrested on May 18, 2013, as part of the drug trafficking investigation of Roberto Tapia, the former Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Division of Environmental Enforcement. On November 7, 2013, Lopez-Lopez was charged in a 69-count indictment charging various drug trafficking offenses, along with seven other defendants, including Angelo Hill, Raymond Brown, Edwin Monsanto, Stephen Torres, Hector Alcenio, Walter Hill, and Angel Negron-Beltran. On January 29, 2014, Lopez-Lopez pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly B. Lake and Kim Lindquist prosecuted the case.
St. Thomas Man Convicted of Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – After a three-day trial in District Court on St. Thomas, a federal jury on Wednesday convicted Richard Antonio Hodge, Jr., 29, of St. Thomas for his role in 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, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Hodge, who has been in custody since his arrest, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing, which the court scheduled for October 10, 2014. Hodge faces up to 80 years in prison when he is sentenced.
“Individuals who commit these types of violent gun crimes in our community pose a danger to all of us and to our way of life,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, is committed to fully investigating, prosecuting and seeking lengthy prison sentences for those who engage in this type of violent and brazen criminal conduct.”
After deliberating for nearly a day, the jury convicted Hodge of the following offenses:
- interfering with commerce by robbery (federal Hobbs Act robbery);
- discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence (federal offense);
- unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence (territorial offense);
- assault with intent to commit murder, robbery (territorial offense), and;
- reckless endangerment (territorial offense).
The jury acquitted Hodge of one count of discharge of a firearm during the commission of an attempted murder, two counts of attempted murder (territorial offense) and use of a firearm during the commission of an attempted murder (territorial offense).
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 from Kmart to take to the bank. While in Kmart, the messenger also picked up $4,700 from the AT&T kiosk in the store. After exiting Kmart, the messenger stopped to talk to his supervisor, who was standing a short distance from the entrance to Kmart. While the messenger was speaking with his supervisor, 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 public housing community where he was chased by an off-duty 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 multiple gunshot wounds. Both men are expected to make a full recovery. The stolen money and firearm used in the crimes were never recovered.
Hodge faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the federal Hobbs Act robbery, a mandatory consecutive 10 years on the federal firearms offense, a minimum penalty of 15 years and up to 20 years in prison on the territorial firearms offense, a maximum of 15 years in prison on the territorial first-degree assault conviction, a maximum of 20 years in prison on the territorial robbery conviction, and a maximum of 10 years on the reckless endangerment conviction. Hodge also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each of the federal offenses, $25,000 on the territorial offenses, and a special assessment of $300.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves Complaint Against Taxi Driver for Refusing Service to Visually Impaired Teen with Service AnimalRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe today announced an agreement with taxi driver Altagracia Roumou that resolves allegations that she violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by refusing taxi service to an individual on the basis of his disability. The Settlement Agreement concludes an investigation which began in March 2013 when Zane Birnie filed a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The complaint alleged that Mr. Birnie, a young man who is visually impaired, attempted to board a “safari” taxi, but was refused by the driver because he was accompanied by his service animal.
Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Ms. Roumou paid a $1,000 damage award to Mr. Birnie, and will pay a $1,000 civil penalty to the United States. She also agreed not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of taxicab services, and to provide service to all persons with disabilities, including those accompanied by a service animal. Ms. Roumou also agreed to adopt a Department of Justice-approved service animal policy, and undergo training on providing service to persons with disabilities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be offering ADA training to workers in the taxi industry, in conjunction with the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission.
The Settlement Agreement is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforce the ADA and to educate the public about the ADA’s requirements. “This settlement exemplifies the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Virgin Islanders, including those with disabilities,” United States Attorney Sharpe said.
The ADA prohibits public and private entities from discriminating against persons with disabilities. Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed, including restaurants, movie theaters, stores, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and fairs. The ADA also requires that transportation providers, including private taxis and public transportation, allow persons with disabilities who use service animals to travel with their service animals, even if the transportation provider has a “no pets” policy.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities to comply with the ADA, including guidance on service animals. Please visit www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm. For more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, go to www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or by email to [email protected].
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah Sacks.
Three St. Thomas Men Sentenced to Prison in Airport Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Leayle Morton Benjamin, Jr., Aben A. Marrero, Jr., and Michael Samuels, each to 121 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On October 5, 2013, Benjamin, 50, Marrero, 34, and Samuels, 39, were convicted after a threeday jury trial. Evidence at trial established that from a time unknown but continuing to October 2011, Benjamin, Marrero and Samuels conspired to smuggle cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas to Atlanta, Georgia. Benjamin and Marrero were employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority assigned to the maintenance division. The cocaine was passed under the partitions to a coconspirator in the bathroom of the Cyril E. King Airport. On October 22, 2011, a co-conspirator was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia after arriving on board a flight from St. Thomas in possession of seven kilos of cocaine in his carry-on suitcase. The co-conspirator agreed to cooperate with the government and made consensually monitored telephone calls that resulted in the apprehension of another coconspirator, Jace Edwards, who was found guilty in a separate trial and is awaiting sentencing. The cooperator pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Georgia to importation of cocaine. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to cooperate with the government and testified in the trial of Benjamin, Marrero and Samuels.
In addition to the 121 months incarceration, each of the three defendants was placed on five years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment and forfeit $113,400, jointly and severally, to the United States. Each defendant was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones prosecuted the case.
Haitian Man Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling Conspiracy That Killed 8Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Lamorthe Delva, a Haitian national, pleaded guilty today in federal district court to conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On April 10, 2014, Delva, 46, was charged in a 10-count indictment, along with Dieuseul Mompremier and Roro Edourre. In addition to conspiracy to smuggle aliens, Mompremier, Delva and Edourre are charged with unlawfully attempting to bring aliens into the United States. Mompremier also is charged with transportation of an alien within the United States on or about December 28, 2011. Edourre was prosecuted for manslaughter in the British Virgin Islands, where he is currently serving his sentence.
According to the indictment, in December 2010, Mompremier, Delva and Roro Edourre, 46, conspired with each other and additional co-conspirators to smuggle illegal aliens into St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. On December 5, 2010, Edourre was the captain on the vessel “Jesus La,” with approximately 33 passengers, most of them Haitian nationals, including men, women and children, when the vessel traveled from St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, to the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Edourre was transporting the illegal aliens on the vessel, Mompremier and Delva waited in the U.S. Virgin Islands and communicated with their co-conspirators by telephone. The U.S. Coast Guard spotted the vessel carrying Edourre and his passengers, and Edourre attempted to evade the Coast Guard. While attempting to evade the Coast Guard, the “Jesus La” ran aground and sank, resulting in the death of at least eight individuals, including four children.
Delva faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Sentencing has been scheduled for September 25, 2014, before District Judge Curtis V. Gomez.
United States Attorney Sharpe commended the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L.Chisholm, who is prosecuting this case.
Felon in Possession of Firearm Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on Thursday sentenced Fenyang Ouma Francis, 24, to 21 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On January 15, 2014, Francis pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm after he was arrested and charged with federal and territorial firearm offenses. According to documents filed in court, Francis was arrested on November 2, 2013, after a traffic stop in which a firearm was found in his car. Francis had been previously convicted in connection with the shipment of a firearm into the Virgin Islands from Florida in 2009. Francis was on supervised release for the shipment of a firearm conviction when he was arrested on November 2, 2013. He faces a revocation hearing for violation of his supervised release. The revocation hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones prosecuted the case.
Three St. Thomas Men Sentenced Today for Their Roles in A Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Ignacio Batis- Joseph, age 37, to 70 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release, Omar Norberto James-Byar, age 37, to 46 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release, and Eldry Santos-Guzman, age 33, to 33 months of incarceration and four years of supervised release. Batis-Joseph, James-Byar and Santos-Guzman are residents of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Each defendant was sentenced for his role in a drug conspiracy that ended in the seizure of 85 kilograms of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito Guarino.
On December 11, 2013, James-Byar and Batis-Joseph pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess narcotics with the intent to distribute and Santos Guzman pleaded to the same charges on December 13, 2013.
According to the plea documents filed in court, in August of 2013, Batis-Joseph contacted a DEA Task Force Officer acting in an undercover capacity for the purpose of conducting a transaction involving the sale of 100 kilograms of cocaine. Thereafter, the Page -2- defendant encouraged the officer to travel to St. Thomas in order to purchase the 100 kilograms of cocaine. On September 11, 2013, the officer contacted Batis-Joseph and informed him that he was on his way to St. Thomas and would purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine. Later that day, Batis-Joseph arrived at the Crown Bay Marina in a red Ford Explorer, along with James-Byar and Santos-Guzman. During the meeting with the officer, a red Cost U Less bag that contained approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine was produced by the defendants and given to the officer to inspect. When the officer informed Batis-Joseph that the money was on the way, Batis-Joseph told James-Byar and Santos-Guzman to leave the area. James-Byar and Santos-Guzman were arrested as they attempted to leave the parking lot. Batis-Joseph was arrested at the scene. After the arrest, 74 kilograms of cocaine was found at an apartment in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
U.S. Attorney Sharpe commended the efforts of the DEA which investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael A. Meyers, Jr.
St. Thomas Woman Arrested and Charged with Embezzlement of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - Rosemarie Peltier, age 43, was arrested today and charged with misappropriation of postal funds, embezzlement of government property, and false entries and reports of monies and securities. Peltier appeared in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez and was released from custody after posting a $10,000 unsecured bond.
According to the Indictment filed in the District Court, Peltier, a nine year veteran with the United States Postal Service, failed to remit in excess of $29,000 given to her by customers for the purchase of money orders from the U.S. Postal Service.
If convicted of the offenses charged in the indictment, Peltier faces a statutory maximum of not more than 10 years in prison for each offense.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr.
Hector Alcenio Sentenced to 30 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 Hector Alcenio, 43, to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On December 19, 2013, Alcenio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine after he was arrested on July 11, 2013, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Alcenio 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, he was charged in a 69-count third superseding indictment, along with seven other defendants, including Angelo Hill, Raymond Brown, Edwin Monsanto, Stephen Torres, and Eddie Lopez-Lopez, Walter Hill, and Angel Negron-Beltran.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly B. Lake and Kim Lindquist prosecuted the case.
St. John Man Arrested and Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Davidson L. Alfred, 51, of St. John was arrested today and charged with bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Alfred appeared in District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Wednesday and was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2014.
According to the criminal complaint filed in District Court, Alfred presented forged checks to Banco Popular and FirstBank branches in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. More specifically, Alfred presented eight fraudulent checks totaling $23,150 to Banco Popular and two checks totaling $6,300 to First Bank during a two-month period of time.
If convicted of the offenses charged in the criminal complaint, Alfred faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm.
St. Croix Man Arrested for Carrying A Loaded Firearm on an AircraftRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jahmal A. Rivera, 28, of St. Croix was arrested on Tuesday and charged in United States District Court with having a loaded firearm on an aircraft announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. Rivera appeared yesterday in District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and was ordered held without bail pending trial.
According to the criminal complaint filed in District Court, Rivera was arrested after arriving at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas on a Seaborne Airlines plane from St. Croix, and a loaded Glock, .45 caliber firearm was found in his carry-on baggage. The firearm was discovered by Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) who were conducting screening of all passengers arriving in St. Thomas from St. Croix. Under federal law, it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm on an aircraft either on your person or in luggage unless properly declared.
If convicted of this offense, Rivera faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. However, a criminal complaint is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Sharpe praised the work of the VIPA and CPB in stepping up their inspections of flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tabaco Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson Jones.
Twenty-Nine Golden Grove Inmates Indicted for Possessing Illegal ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – A federal Grand Jury in St. Croix has indicted 29 inmates at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional and Detention Facility for possessing illegal contraband, announced Ronald W. Sharpe, United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands; Vito S. Guarino, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division, and Carlos Cases Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Division. The indictments were returned by the Grand Jury on April 3, 2014, and 27 of the indictments were unsealed on April 28, 2014. Two indictments remain under seal. Under federal and territorial law, it is illegal for inmates to possess illegal contraband such as weapons, controlled substances and cellular telephones in prison. If convicted, these defendants face between one and five years in prison, and fines of between $200,000 and $250,000 depending on the nature of the contraband possessed.
These indictments are part of an ongoing federal investigation involving the smuggling of illegal contraband into Golden Grove by Correctional Officers, inmates, and others. On April 7 and 8, 2014, federal agents executed federal search warrants on Golden Grove, which authorized the search of inmates’ cells and certain common areas such as the prison yard and workshop areas for illegal contraband, weapons, controlled substances and cellular telephones. As a result of those searches, federal agents seized, among other contraband, approximately 55 weapons (“shanks” and other contraband capable of being used as weapons such as razor blades and scissors), 28 cellular telephones, a cell phone “booster,” and a Sony PlayStation. In addition, illegal drugs were seized from 33 separate cells, along with drug packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.
The indictments unsealed Monday involve contraband seized before the execution of the federal search warrant. Additional inmates could face federal charges based on the seizures made on April 7 and 8.
The following inmates are charged in the indictments unsealed on April 28:
Inmate Name Charged Contraband Ballantine, Warren cell phone Barbel, Al-Ahad cell phone Colbourne, Romal cell phone George, Gregoire shank/knife, cell phone Harrington, Toma marijuana Lettsome, Renell marijuana Martinez, Edwin Velez cell phone Monsanto, Avery marijuana Percival, Shevron cell phone Boyce, Michael shank/knife, cell phone Bramble, Emmet cell phone Elmes, Shamari shank/knife Encarnacion, Rusiel cell phone Ford, Michael cell phone Girard, Paul cell phone, marijuana Lloyd, Calvin cell phone, marijuana Morris, Suhmeid shank/knife, cell phone, marijuana Nisbett, Leon cell phone Simmonds, Jahseen shank/knife, cell phone West, Jameel shank/knife Phillip, Jervern shank/knife, cell phone Sampson, Henry marijuana Samuel, Tishawn shank/knife, cell phone, marijuana Santiago, Andelson shank/knife Smith, Anthon cell phone Stanley, Rodney cell phone Woods, Delroy shank/knife, cell phone“These indictments demonstrate the United States’ ongoing commitment to identify, investigate and prosecute those responsible for possessing and introducing contraband into Golden Grove,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “It is important for the community to have confidence that prison inmates do not have access to weapons or the ability to engage in criminal activity from behind bars.”
“The safety of all inmates and employees is a priority in all correctional facilities. It is imperative that order is maintained inside the prison to prevent crimes from happening both in and outside as well,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Guarino. “DEA will continue to work closely with other federal and territorial law enforcement and government agencies to reach that goal in the Golden Grove Correctional facility.”
“Illegal contraband in the prison system affects operations and the safety of all correctional facilities' employees,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases. “The FBI will continue to support all federal and local authorities in combating illegal contraband in the prison system.”
An indictment is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation is being led by the St. Croix DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which includes officers from the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), with assistance from the FBI. Assisting HIDTA in the April 7 and 8 search were agents from the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, VIPD, and the Virgin Islands National Guard.
St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 151 Months for Conspiracy to Possess and Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Isa Noel, 25, to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, to be followed by five years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe.
On November 14, 2013, after a three-day trial in federal court, a jury found Noel guilty of the three charges. Evidence at trial established that Noel, a supervisor at GCG Ground Services at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, used his position to smuggle cocaine past security checkpoints at the airport. Specifically, on or about September 16, 2012, Noel and another co-conspirator smuggled six kilograms of cocaine to a waiting courier in the public bathroom of the airport. The courier was arrested as he attempted to board a flight to the mainland United States. The courier received a 120-month prison sentence.
Evidence at trial also established that on October 17, 2012, Noel recruited a fellow baggage handler to deliver cocaine to another courier. Both the baggage handler and the courier were arrested and prosecuted. At Noel’s trial, four co-conspirators testified about his involvement in the conspiracy and distribution of cocaine. Joelvis Acosta Liz, Edisson Peguero Ortiz and Allen Pacquette pleaded guilty to drug charges prior to Noel’s trial. Kirsten Alexander pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. All four testified against Noel during his trial.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Virgin Islands Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
Roberto Tapia Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Roberto Tapia, 55, to 70 months in prison for using the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) as a criminal enterprise to engage in illegal drug trafficking activities, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Tapia, DPNR’s former Director of Environmental Enforcement, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2013 to using DPNR as a criminal enterprise to engage in illegal drug trafficking activities. He was arrested on May 17, 2013, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On September 12, 2013, he was charged in a 34-count second superseding indictment, along with six other defendants, including Virgin Islands police sergeant Angelo Hill, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, Edwin Monsanto, Stephen Torres, and Eddie Lopez-Lopez.
The indictment and plea followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Federal Public Corruption Task Force, which culminated with the arrest of Tapia while in possession of seven kilograms of cocaine.
“It’s a sad day when a high-ranking law enforcement officer has to be sentenced for violating the public’s trust,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “The egregious criminal conduct perpetrated by this individual, who chose to abuse his position for selfish gain at the expense of the safety and welfare of the community, taints every hard-working law enforcement officer. My office will continue to vigorously fight public corruption, and target individuals who undermine the public trust.”
The case was investigated by the Public Corruption Task, 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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly B. Lake.
Angelo Hill Sentenced to 21 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 Angelo Hill, 51, a former Virgin Islands Police Department sergeant, to 21 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On December 18, 2013, Hill pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine after he was arrested on May 24, 2013, and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill 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 September 12, 2013, he was charged in a 34-count second superseding indictment, along with six other defendants, including Tapia, Raymond Brown, Hector Alcenio, Edwin Monsanto, Stephen Torres, and Eddie Lopez-Lopez.
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 Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly B. Lake.