District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bvi Man Charged with Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Shamoy Frett, 22, of Tortola, BVI, was charged with bringing aliens to the United States for private financial gain.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents were patrolling United States when they observed a vessel operated by Frett crossing the international border from the British Virgin Islands into the United States Territory. The vessel did not display any navigational lights as required by law. Agents later observed the vessel travel to Haulover Bay where four individuals exited the vessel and headed up the Haulover Bay trailhead. The vessel then departed Haulover Bay and headed back towards Tortola, BVI. Agents attempted to stop the vessel by activating their blue lights and sirens, but Frett accelerated the vessel and failed to comply. Agents then disabled the vessel forcing it to come to a stop. Frett then jumped overboard and attempted to escape but was arrested a short time later. When questioned by agents, Frett admitted that he was paid $1,000.00 by a man in Tortola to smuggle the four illegal aliens to St. John.
This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and U.S. Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican Republic Nationals Plead Guilty to Possession of 619 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Dennito Montero-Felix, 48, and Fernandito Michel-Gomez, 56, both of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute While on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. Michel-Gomez is scheduled for sentencing on December 14, 2023. Sentencing for Montero-Felix is scheduled for December 20, 2023. Each faces a maximum term of incarceration of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2023, while on routine patrol, a maritime patrol aircraft located a go-fast vessel in international waters approximately 71 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic. The vessel had three occupants onboard and was equipped with two outboard engines, excessive fuel barrels, and large packages were visible on deck. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter later intercepted the vessel and took the occupants into custody. Neither occupant claimed a nationality for the flagless vessel. The vessel was therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. On board the flagless vessel, Coast Guard Officers discovered approximately 619 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Former Cape Air Employee Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Shakari Francis, 27, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty before Chief District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Francis faces a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment, not less than three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00.
According to court documents, Francis worked at Cape Air as a ramp agent at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. On January 11, 2023, Francis entered the airport using his secured access with two bricks of cocaine. Francis later met Ahkoy Smith, a ticketed passenger on Spirit Airline’s flight to Fort Lauderdale, FL, in the restrooms located next to the concession area where Francis delivered the two bricks of cocaine to Smith. Federal agents arrested Francis and attempted to arrest Smith as he boarded his flight. When approached by the agents, Smith removed his backpack and threw it to the tarmac and ran onto the active runway. He was apprehended by federal agents and placed under arrest and charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Smith entered a plea agreement with the United States to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Bvi Man Sentenced to Eight Months for Failing to Stop His Vessel Being Used for Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Buney Chinnery, 22, of Tortola, BVI, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy to eight months incarceration on his conviction for failure to heave to law enforcement and giving a false statement.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on October 31, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine agents were conducting border security patrol between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Agents approached Coral Bay, St. John, and observed Chinnerys’ vessel operating without navigation lights. Despite continued warnings and attempts to stop the vessel, Chinnery refused to stop and accelerate his vessel while operating the it in an evasive manner. Agents eventually disabled the vessel and later discovered Chinnery along with six individuals attempting to gain illegal entry into the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natasha L. Baker.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Roniel Allembert, 22, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before U. S. Magistrate Judge Emile A, Henderson, III, to Possession of a Firearm in School Zone. Allembert’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2023, where he faces a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on September 28, 2021, Virgin Islands Police Department officers discovered a fully loaded Taurus 9mm handgun in a ditch located at #21 Anna’s Hope, approximately 290 feet from the Church of God Holiness Academy. Allembert was observed at the same location but drove off at a high rate of speed when VIPD police units approach the area. Allembert later returned to the location driving slowly while looking on the side of the road where the handgun was discovered. Allembert’s DNA was later discovered on the firearm. He did not have a license to possess the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. The investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Lucia Man of Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Trevor Stephen, 35, of St. Lucia, was found guilty by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute 210 kilograms of cocaine. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy scheduled Stephen’s sentencing for October 27, 2023.
According to court documents, on November 29, 2021, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircraft detected a vessel traveling from St. John to St. Thomas without lights onboard. The vessel traveled to Vessup Beach where two individuals onboard the vessel offloaded seven duffle bags to three individuals waiting at the beach, two of whom were identified as Stephens and Russell Robinson. Stephens, Robinson, and an unknown individual loaded the duffle bags into Robinson’s Toyota Tundra truck. After departing Vessup Beach, Robinson drove to a nearby home in Nazareth Bay where the three relocated the duffle bags of cocaine from the bed of the truck to the cabin. The unknown individual remained at the Nazareth Bay property, while Stephens and Robinson drove to Veteran’s Drive where agents attempted to intercept Robinson’s vehicle. Robinson refuse to stop, and agents pursued his vehicle in a high-speed chase that ended on a dead-end road in Hull Bay. The aviation aircraft maintained surveillance of Robinson and Stephens during the chase and ultimately captured footage as they began throwing the duffle bags of cocaine from the truck into the bushes. Agents blocked the exit and took Robinson and Stephens into custody as they approach the roadway. Agents later retrieved seven duffle bags containing 210 kilograms of cocaine from the area where they had been tossed by Robinson and Stephens. Trial testimony established that the seized cocaine had a street value of approximately $2.1 million. Stephens was detained pending sentencing, and Robinson remains in custody pending his trial in this matter.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Rhonda Williams-Henry. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Costa Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Antonio Orellana-Orellano, 69, of Costa Rica, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to transport approximately 4,000 pounds of marijuana onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Magistrate Judge Henderson scheduled Orellana-Orellana’s sentencing hearing for October 21, 2023, where he faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on November 7, 2022, the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Campbell observed a go-fast vessel while patrolling in international waters approximately 65 nautical miles South of Boca Chica, Panama. USCGC Campbell intercepted the go-fast vessel “Agamenon” which had no physical flag flown, no registration documents, nor registration number painted on its hull. Bales of contraband was visible on the deck of the vessel along with three occupants, including Orellana-Orellana. The master of the Agamenon claimed Colombian nationality for the vessel, but Colombia neither confirm nor deny nationality of the vessel. The Almamenon was therefore treated as a vessel without nationality subjecting it to the jurisdiction of the United States. A search of the vessel revealed approximately 57 bales of suspected marijuana weighting 4,104 pounds. Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory testing subsequently confirmed that the substance seized was marijuana. The remaining occupants of the Agamenon, Keyran Coto Lopez and Alonso Hernandez-Hernandez, are detained pending trial in this matter.
This case was investigated by U.S. Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Three Charged with Illegal Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Randy Jimenez-Vargas and Irving Jhon Mendoza-Alcantara, both from the Dominican Republic, and Jonas Alberto Mendez-Garcia, of Venezuelan, were charged with illegally entering the United States.
According to court documents, Jimenez-Vargas, Mendoza-Alcantara and o Mendez-Garcia presented themselves for inspection at the Cyril B. King airport in St. Thomas prior to boarding a flight to Washington, DC. During their inspection, Customs and Border Patrol Officers determined that the three individuals were foreign nationals and were not in possession of any legal documents that would permit them to enter the United States. A review of the individuals’ passport stamps revealed that the last stamp in each passport were dated from between March 6, 2023, and May 20, 2023, which corresponded with their exit from a foreign country. Records checks also revealed that neither individual legally entered the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the appropriate statutory factors.
United States Customs and Border Protection is investigating the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper is prosecuting the case. United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to 87 Months on Cocaine Possession ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Emanuel Campbell Camacho of Puerto Rico was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on September 22, 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration agents learned that Campbell Camacho and Carlos Rafael Velez-Lopez, both of Puerto Rico, had traveled by commercial flight from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas, and were driving a purple Jeep Wrangler. After two days of surveillance, agents observed Campbell Camacho leave the Windward Passage Hotel as the passenger of a blue Mazda sedan that traveled to a parking lot at Mandela Circle. Campbell Camacho exited his vehicle and leaned into the passenger side of another vehicle parked next to his vehicle. Moments later, Campbell Camacho removed a large duffle bag from the parked vehicle and place it inside his vehicle. Agents followed Campbell Camacho back to Windward Passage Hotel and observed him carrying the duffle bag up to the second floor level of the hotel. As they approached Campbell Camacho, agents also observed Velez-Lopez near the top of the stairs with a cell phone in his hands. Agents later discovered 30 bricks of cocaine in Campbell Camacho’s black duffle bag. A search of Velez-Lopez’s cell phones revealed that Campbell Camacho and Velez-Lopez were in constant contact while Camacho traveled to Mandela Circle to collect the cocaine. Velez-Lopez is scheduled for sentencing on July 7, 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case and Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to 10 Years on Cocaine Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Carlos Caez-Torres, 45, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced by District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 120 months incarceration on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Molloy also sentenced Caez-Torres to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of February 28, 2023, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Marine Interdiction Unit detected a vessel with two people onboard traveling without navigational lights on the west side of St. Thomas heading towards Puerto Rico. CBP approached the vessel ordering it to stop, but the operator of the vessel refused to comply. The occupants of the vessel were observed throwing a black bag into the ocean. CBP disabled the vessel and later retrieved the black bag from the ocean which contained 18 kilograms of cocaine.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Everard Potter and Natasha Baker prosecuted this case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
New York Woman Sentenced on Stolen Cell Phones ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Keyla Mateo of New York was sentenced to four years probation by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy on her conviction of conspiracy to transport stolen iPhones.
According to court documents, from May through July of 2018, Mateo and three co-conspirators stole and later transported iPhones from St. Thomas to Bronx, NY, where the phones were sold. As part of the conspiracy, one of Mateo’s co-conspirators contacted cell phone carriers, including Sprint and AT&T, impersonating legitimate customers by adding cell phones to the legitimate customers’ accounts without their knowledge or consent. Mateo’s co-conspirators also arranged for the iPhones to be mailed to another member of the conspiracy to a post office box located in St. Thomas. Mateo would then arrange for the stolen iPhones to be ship from St. Thomas to her address in New York. After arriving in New York, the stolen iPhone were sold by Mateo. The criminal scheme involved a total of 59 stolen cell phones valued at approximately $1,000.00 each. All defendants pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and Mateo’s co-conspirators are awaiting trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Postal Service investigated this case and Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced to Eight Months for Unlawfully Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Kelvin Bautista Valdez, 35, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to eight months of imprisonment by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy, on his conviction of Illegal Reentry into the United States of a Removed Alien.
According to court documents, on November 30, 2022, while conducting training operations in Brewers Bay, Customs and Border Patrol Officers observed a vessel that they recognized from a previous smuggling operation involving undocumented migrants. Officers later discovered Valdez among a group of undocumented migrants gathered at the shoreline awaiting transport to Puerto Rico. A record check revealed that Valdez had previously entered the United States and was removed on two prior occasions. When interviewed, Valdez stated that he paid smugglers $26,000.00 cash for his transport to the United States.
The case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Natasha L. Baker.
Three Ecuadorians Charged with Possession of 800 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Menocal-Mero, alias “Luis Menoscal”, 38, Carlos Anchundia-Mero, 22, and Carlos Baque-Pincay, 21, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents, on March 8, 2023, during a routine patrol in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, United States Coast Guard Cutter Farragut intercepted a go-fast vessel after it was sighted approximately 110 nautical miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The vessel displayed no indicia of nationality, and no flag was flown. Coast Guard officers boarded the vessel to conduct an inspection and discovered 30 bales containing approximately 800 kilograms of individually wrapped, brick-shipped packages of cocaine on the deck and fish hold areas of the vessel. One of the occupants of the vessel claimed Ecuadorian nationality, but Ecuador could neither confirm nor deny nationality of the vessel. The vessel was therefore deemed to be one without nationality, thus subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Jury Convicts 65 Year Old Man of Sex Trafficking and Transporting a Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a St. Croix jury convicted James Phillip, 65, of St. Croix, of sex trafficking and transporting a minor for prostitution. The jury returned the guilty verdict after hearing a week of testimony. District Court Judge Wilma Lewis ordered Phillip to surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service on May 15, 2023, to begin serving his sentence.
“Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. I am therefore committed to prosecuting sex offenders to the fullest extent of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Phillip and his co-defendant Zayvon Acoy aided and abetted each other in the sex trafficking and transporting of the minor victim for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. At trial, the victim testified that in 2017, when she was 17, she had a sexual relationship with Acoy, who was 27. The victim testified that during their short relationship, Acoy physically abused her and forced her into prostitution because he needed money. The victim further testified that on two occasions, Acoy took her to Phillip’s house where she had sex with Phillip as Acoy waited outside in his vehicle. After both encounters, Phillip paid Acoy $250.00 for having sex with the victim. The victim testified that she got tired of Acoy’s abuse and decided to report the encounters to local and federal law enforcement. On July 7, 2021, Acoy pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on February 14, 2022. For his conviction, Phillip faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The case investigated by Homeland Security Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard Potter and Evan Rikhye. “Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the victims of sexual exploitation in our community. In this instance, HSI brought the violator to justice after investigating a delicate but complex case by demonstrating our expertise in victim advocacy which is required in handling minor victims of sexual assaults,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to 108 Months on Cocaine Possession ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Sammy Monell-Osorio, 31, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 108 months of imprisonment on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Judge Molloy also sentenced Monell-Osorio to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of February 28, 2023, Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction officers detected a vessel traveling without navigational lights on the west side of St. Thomas heading towards Puerto Rico. Osorio, the captain of the vessel, attempted to evade the officers when they ordered him to stop. The occupants of Osorio’s vessel then threw a black bag overboard before the vessel was disabled for failure to heave to the officer’s commands. The black bag containing 18 kilograms of cocaine was later retrieved from the ocean.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction Unit and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case and Assistant United States Attorneys Everard Potter and Natasha Baker prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former TSA Employee Sentenced on Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Cleon Otto 35, of St. Thomas, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 12 months of probation on his conviction of creating a false authentication document. Molloy also ordered that Otto pay a $1,000.00 fine, a $25 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $1,162.20.
According to court documents, on July 9, 2021, Otto was an employee of the Transportation Safety Administration and a member of the Virgin Islands National Guard. In his capacity as a TSA officer, Otto produced a false document by placing the electronically generated signature of another employee to authorize his paid military leave request. Otto later submitted the fraudulently approved document and received compensation in the amount of $1,162.20.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Woman Charged with Sexual Assault of a MinorRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that the District Court unsealed an indictment charging Cherise King, age 39, of St. Croix with a single count of sexual abuse of a ward or minor. If convicted, King faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, King served as a paraprofessional teacher at the St. Croix Youth Rehabilitation Center (YRC), a youth detention facility. The indictment charges that between September 9, 2022, and September 15, 2022, King engaged in sexual acts with a juvenile male detainee, over the age of 12, but under the age of 16, who had been incarcerated at YRC.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children through the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Charged with Possession of 50 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Leroy Roebuck, Jr., 36, of St. Croix, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, for his initial appearing hearing after being charged with possession with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. Roebuck was ordered detained pending a detention hearing on April 28, 2023. If convicted, Roebuck faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2023, Roebuck agreed to sell 60 kilograms of cocaine at a price of $900,000.00 to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. On April 26, 2023, Roebuck contacted the undercover agent to advise that he was only willing to sell 50 kilograms of cocaine as the remaining 10 kilograms were of poor quality. After arriving at the location of the exchange, Roebuck showed the undercover agent four containers located inside his 2019 Jeep Wrangler and filled with 50 individually wrapped bricks of cocaine. Roebuck was immediately arrested and taken into custody by federal and local agents.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Virgin Islands Police Department are jointly investigating the case and Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Ortiz is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hawaiian Man Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment on Possession of Methamphetamine ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jason Lee Current, 45, was sentenced as a career offender to 12 years imprisonment by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis on his conviction of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Lewis also sentenced Current to five years of supervised release, a fine of $2,500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment.
According to court documents, on November 5, 2020, Custom and Border Protection in San Juan, PR, intercepted a package that was shipped from California and addressed to Current. The package contained 112 grams of methamphetamine and 341 grams of marijuana. The contraband was removed and replaced with sham drugs and outfitted with a tracking device. On November 10, 2020, Current picked up the package from the Sunny Isle Post Office in St. Croix. Current attempted to eluded capture after he detected the tracking device but was subsequently taken into custody. In July 2020, Current absconded from Hawaii to avoid sentencing on his felony robbery and assault convictions.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Is April 23-29, 2023Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice, recognizes crime victims, law enforcement agencies, community organizations and faith-based institutions that are dedicated to serving and assisting victims of crime. “Acknowledging the rights of crime victims and supporting them with services are essential parts of the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We work with our law enforcement and community partners to pursue justice, collect restitution, and identify resources needed to compensate those who suffer the consequences of crime.” United States Attorney Smith said.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Department of Justice organizes events to honor crime victims and advocates, as well as to bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s theme is, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.
The U.S Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and right of victims of crime. Here, in the District of the Virgin Islands, we have a dedicated Victim Witness Coordinator who supports federal crime victims by providing notification of significant case events through the DOJ Victim Notification System (VNS). Through VNS, victims learn of upcoming court proceedings and the outcome of those proceedings. Victims can also use the VNS to participate in court proceedings and to make their voices heard. In fact, in 2022, the District’s Victim Witness Coordinator Antoinette James-Alleyne provided several thousand notices to crime victims and provided victims with essential services, including referrals to counseling, securing temporary housing, assisting with access to victim’s compensation funds, and accompanying victims to court proceedings to provide support and guidance. These services provide victims with tools to reshape their futures.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across the United States, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program at [email protected].
Bvi Man Sentenced to 70 Months Incarceration on Cocaine Smuggling ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Sean John, 35 of Tortola, BVI, was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Judge Lewis also sentenced John to two years of supervised release and a special assessment of $100.00.
According to court documents, on January 9, 2022, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine agents detected a vessel with bales of suspected cocaine in plain view on the deck of the vessel. The vessel was traveling on the northeast side of St. Croix heading north towards the British Virgin Islands. Upon further investigation, agents encountered a 32-foot Manta low-profile vessel with twin 300 HP outboard engines located at approximately 19 nautical miles northeast of St. Croix in international waters in an area known by law enforcement for drug trafficking. The vessel was dead in the water and displayed no indicia of nationality, flag nor registration, and was determined to be a vessel without nationality, thus subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Onboard the vessel, agents discovered 21 bales wrapped in plastic and encased in rope four. Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis later confirmed that the 21 bales recovered from the vessel contained approximately 567 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. Also onboard the vessel were defendants Shannon John, Sean John, Emmanuel Tolentino-Lebron and Augusto Rodriguez-Molina, all of whom pleaded guilty to the cocaine conspiracy charge.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection and Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
India National Sentenced to Four Months After Unlawfully Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Ashokkumar Patel, 40, of India, was sentenced by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 139 days of incarceration on his conviction of re-entry of a removed alien, followed by one year of supervised release and a special assessment of $100.00.
According to court documents, on November 24, 2021, Patel, an illegal alien from India, was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as he attempted to board Spirit Airlines flight #449 to Fort Lauderdale, FL. At inspection, Patel presented a fraudulent Florida driver’s license. Further inspection revealed that on August 17, 2019, Patel was apprehended and detained by Custom and Border Patrol in Tecate, CA. Thereafter, on November 21, 2019, Patel was removed and departed from the United States to India.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 630 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Leandro De Los Santos, 33, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. A sentencing date for De Los Santos has been set by the Court for August 4, 2023, where he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2022, while on routine patrol south of the Dominican Republic, a maritime patrol aircraft detected a go-fast vessel navigating on a northerly course approximately 80 nautical miles south of Bani, Dominican Republic. The U.S.S. Billings was dispatched to the area when crew members observed that the vessel had no flag flown, no registration numbers and no name painted on its hull. The Dominican Republic Navy later advised that the vessel was not registered with their country. The vessel was therefore treated as one without nationality thereby subjecting it to laws of the United States. Onboard the vessel, the U.S.S. Billings boarding team detained De Los Santos and another individual and located 18 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 630 kilograms.
The United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Dominican Republic National Pleads Guilty to Possession of 630 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Victor Reyes-Martinez, 40, of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. A sentencing date for Reyes-Martinez will be set by the Court, and he will face a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2022, while on routine patrol south of the Dominican Republic, a maritime patrol aircraft detected a go-fast vessel navigating on a northerly course approximately 80 nautical miles south of Bani, Dominican Republic. The U.S.S. Billings was dispatched to the area when crew members observed that the vessel had no flag flown, no registration numbers and no name painted on its hull. The Dominican Republic Navy later advised that the vessel was not registered with their country. The vessel was therefore treated as one without nationality thereby subjecting it to laws of the United States. Onboard the vessel, the U.S.S. Billings boarding team detained Reyes-Martinez and another individual and located 18 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 630 kilograms.
The United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 12 Months on a Felon in Possession of a Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Moises Figueroa, Jr., age 48, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 12 months imprisonment on his conviction of a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Lewis also sentenced Figueroa to 2 years of supervised release, a fine of $2,000.00, and a special assessment of $100.
According to court documents, on May 26, 2021, federal law enforcement agents conducted a controlled delivery at the Frederiksted Post Office in St. Croix of two packages containing firearms. Figueroa was arrested after he collected both packages at which time federal agents seized a loaded Taurus semi-automatic pistol from Figueroa’s waistband. Figueroa was charged with illegally possessing the Taurus semi-automatic pistol knowing that he was convicted of a felony in 2007, namely Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, in People of the Virgin Islands v. Moises Figueroa, SX-06-CR-504.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case. This case was part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
United States Inspector Generals Commit to Fighting Waste, Fraud and Abuse of Federal Funds in the Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Dozens of federal Inspector General officials gathered in St. Thomas on March 22-23, 2023, for the first Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General Spring Symposium. The federal oversight and law enforcement officials spent two days collaborating and sharing information as part of their ongoing commitment to protect federal funds awarded to the Virgin Islands.
“As a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Territory received tens of billions of federal funds,” United States Attorney Delia L. Smith said. “We are committed to ensuring that these funds are properly utilized to improve the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands.” Sponsored by the United States Attorney Office and the Virgin Islands OIG Council, the symposium focused on identifying strategies to combat waste, fraud and abuse, and to improve efficiency in the federally funded programs in the Virgin Islands.
“The symposium was an excellent opportunity to do what the Inspector General community does best: work together to combat fraud, waste and abuse across federal government programs,” said Mark Lee Greenblatt, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior and Chairperson of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. Greenblatt thanked United States Attorney Smith for bringing together such a diverse array of federal law enforcement organizations. “Collaboration with our on-island partners – including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Virgin Islands OIG and local law enforcement – is critical to the DOI OIG’s success here. I look forward to bolstering those partnerships as we work together to identify and address misconduct in DOI programs in the U.S. Virgin Islands”, Greenblatt said.
Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Hannibal “Mike” Ware, added that “the inaugural symposium showcased the unwavering commitment of the Inspector General community to combatting waste, fraud and abuse. With potential fraud on the rise, the IG community has implemented a whole-of-government approach by investing in partnerships to bring wrongdoers to justice and reclaim stolen taxpayer dollars.”
“This symposium represents the unprecedented commitment of the IG community and federal and local law enforcement partners to interagency collaboration in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thank you to U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for hosting this historical symposium. We look forward to continued partnership with our local partners in the Virgin Islands to combat fraud, waste and abuse and to protect the integrity of HUD programs", said Rae Oliver Davis, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Representatives from 16 Inspector General Offices and federal oversight agencies, including Small Business Administration, Interior, Health and Human Services, Housing and
Urban Development, Education, Treasury, Transportation Security Administration, General Services Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service, Transportation, U.S. Postal Service, Energy, Labor, Department of Justice and Commerce, attended the symposium. Federal law enforcement agents and analysts stationed in the Virgin Islands also attended the symposium, as well as representatives from the Virgin Islands Office of the Inspector General. The symposium was held at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Smith Bay, St. Thomas.St. John Man Charged with Possession of 18 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Calis Sewer of St. John made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged with possession with intent to distribute 18 kilograms of cocaine. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller ordered that Sewer remain in custody pending trial in this matter.
According to court documents, on March 21, 2023, Virgin Islands Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop on a Suzuki Vitara driven by and registered to Sewer. During the stop, a drug canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trunk of Sewer’s vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a black duffle bag containing 18 brick-shaped bundles the contents of which tested positive for cocaine.
Prior to the traffic stop, federal agents observed Sewer traveling down the Brown Bay Trail in St. John’s heading towards the beach, a location known to law enforcement for narcotics and human smuggling. Approximately 30 minutes later, Sewer was observed traveling up the trail carrying a large black duffle bag. Thereafter, Sewer was observed at his residence in St. John as he transferred the black duffle bag from a Dodge Journey and placed it inside the Suzuki Vitara. Sewer then drove the Vitara from his home and boarded the Car Ferry in St. John. Upon arrival in Red Hook, St. Thomas, VIPD immediately initiated a traffic stop of Sewer’s vehicle which led to the discovery of a black duffle bag containing 18 bricks of cocaine.
This case is being investigated jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigation and Virgin Islands Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
District’s First Fentanyl Conspiracy Case Ends in 85 Months Sentence of St. Thomas ManRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Elijah Hakim, 35, of St. Thomas, was sentenced to 85 months of imprisonment in the District’s first prosecution of fentanyl possession. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from April 2021 to May 2021, Hakim mailed two packages containing fentanyl from Georgia to St. Thomas. The first package, mailed on April 22, 2021, contained 150 fentanyl pills weighing approximately 17.5 grams which were concealed in a vitamin bottle. The package was filled with spray foam and mailed from an Atlanta, GA, post office to St. Thomas. The second package, mailed on May 18, 2021, contained 200 fentanyl pills weighing approximately 25 grams which were concealed inside a Gucci gift box. Like the first package, the second package was filled with spray foam to further conceal the pills and mailed from an Atlanta, GA, post office. Both packages were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protections officers in San Juan, PR and St. Thomas. Court documents further revealed that during this period, a victim on St. Thomas overdosed from consuming pills suspected of containing fentanyl.
At trial, the United States introduced fingerprints found on the May package which matched Hakim’s fingerprints. Also admitted at trial was packaging material found in Hakim’s Atlanta apartment, including a spray foam cannister, bubble wrap, vacuum sealed bags and fiber tape consistent with the packaging used to conceal the fentanyl in the April and May packages. At sentencing, the Judge Robert A. Molloy noted that the comprehensive investigation and evidence admitted a trial were more than sufficient for a jury to find Hakim guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. During his allocution, Hakim stated that he did not believe that he could be found guilty by just fingerprints. Judge Molloy responded, however, that it was not just the fingerprints, but all of the other evidence pointing to Hakim as the culprit; the fingerprints simply sealed the deal.
“Across the United States, opioids, primarily fentanyl, killed over 80,000 people in 2021 alone,” stated United States Attorney Delia Smith. “Here in the Virgin Islands, we have thus far been spared the worst of the opioid epidemic, but the two shipments of fentanyl involved in this case show that we are not immune. Fortunately, the vigilance and dedication of our law enforcement partners led to the interception of these deadly drugs, and we were able to convict those responsible. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep the Virgin Islands safe from this lethal scourge.”
“The defendant’s lawless misuse of the U.S. Mail has finally come to a halt,” said Juan A. Vargas, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division. “Postal Inspectors will continue to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to combine our resources and expertise to combat the perils of illegal and dangerous drug distribution.”
“Our extraordinary enforcement partnerships allow us to work in unison and combat drug trafficking and the violence this brings,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster. “It’s the DEA’s mission to dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations no matter where they originate. We will continue to work diligently with our Federal, state, and local counterparts and to bring to justice those who seek to poison our communities.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Payne and Meredith Edwards. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 87 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Yefri Martinez Herrera, 30, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to conspiracy to possess cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, in January 2022, Martinez Herrera brokered 200-kilogram cocaine deal with individuals later revealed to be a confidential source and an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. On February 2, 2022, Martinez Herrera agreed to sell the undercover agent 86 kilograms of cocaine, as part of that 200-kilogram deal. Federal agents later executed a search warrant on Martinez Herrera’s home in Frenchtown where 87 kilograms of cocaine and a Glock pistol were seized. Martinez Herrera was taken into custody after agent found him hiding inside a bedroom closet.
This case is being investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation Air Marine Operations, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Puerto Rico Police Department and Virgin Islands Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of 79 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Wesly Albert Amaro of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Ruth Miller to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the United States Coast Guard detected a vessel operating without navigation lights traveling at a high rate of speed from Culebra, PR, towards Hendrick Bay, St. Thomas. The vessel was later intercepted by U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine Operations. The vessel, operated by Amaro, attempted to flee while the co-defendant Brian Santiago Gonzalez began throwing duffel bags overboard. The engine of the vessel was disabled after Amaro failed to stop. Agents later recovered three duffel bags containing 79 kilograms of suspected narcotics which later tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of 30 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Rafael Velez-Lopez of Puerto Rico pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on September 22, 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Velez-Lopez and Emanuel Campbell Camacho after they observed Camacho exit the Windward Passage Hotel and enter a blue Mazda sedan that traveled to the parking lot at Nelson Mandela Circle. Camacho later exited his vehicle and approached the passenger side of another vehicle where he removed a black duffle bag and placed it into his vehicle. Camacho then returned to the Windward Passage Hotel with a duffle bag approached the stairs leading to the second- floor level of the hotel. As the agents approached Camacho, they observed Velez-Lopez near the top of the stairs checking his cell phone. Agents inspected the duffel bag and discovered 30 brick-shaped objects inside the duffle bag that Camacho was carrying. Velez Lopez and Camacho were in constant communication during the entire transaction. The bricks later tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride. Velez-Lopez will be sentenced by a federal district court judge who will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and investigated by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bvi Man Pleads Guilty Transporting Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Samuel Davies, of Tortola, BVI, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to bringing an alien to the United States for private financial gain.
According to court documents, on September 7, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations intercepted a vessel as it approached Coral Bay, St. John, with no navigational lights. Davies, the captain, and a Dominican Republic male were the occupants of the vessel. Neither occupant could produce legal documentation that allow their presence in the United States. Davies later told the agents that he met a man in Tortola known to him as “San Diego” who asked to take the Dominican National to Jost Van Dyke, BVI, but they accidentally ended up in Coral Bay. The passenger was later deported to the Dominican Republic and Davies will be sentenced by a federal judge at a hearing scheduled by the court.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.
St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Joel G. Rivera, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 150 months incarceration for his conviction on Carjacking and Using a Firearm During a Violent Crime, followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000.00, a special assessment of $200.00, and $1,600.00 restitution.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of September 10, 2017, Rivera, along with two assailants, broke into a couple’s home in Estate Rust Op Twist while brandishing a firearm. The group physically assaulted the male victim by punching him in the head and threatened to kill the couple while demanding money. Thereafter, at gunpoint, Rivera and his assailants forced the couple into the rear passenger seat of their Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and drove to the shoreline location where the male victim had left his wallet. After retrieving the wallet, Rivera and his assailants fled in the Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and a Jeep Wrangler. In addition to the vehicles, Rivera stole $200.00 cash, two iPhones valued at $600 each and an iPad valued at $200.00.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Nicaraguan National Pleads Guilty to Possessionwith Intent to Distribute 550 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Michael Antony Nelson-Gaet, 34, of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Sentencing for Nelson-Gaet is set for June 21, 2023, where he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on March 5, 2022, during a routine patrol in international waters, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Legare encountered the “La Bendecida Leo, a go-fast vessel located 140 nautical miles southwest of Isla de Malpelo, Columbia. The go-fast vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed with bales and fuel barrels visible on its deck. The vessel had no registration, but the occupants claimed Nicaraguan nationality for the vessel. Nicaragua could neither confirm nor deny nationality of the vessel. The vessel was therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The Coast Guard boarding team after members observed the occupants throwing the bales overboard. Approximately 550.6 kilograms of cocaine and 136 pounds of marijuana were recovered from the ocean.
The United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Virgin Islands man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
According to court documents, Wahilli James, aka Dapa, of Frederiksted, St. Croix, was a member of the Paul Girard Criminal Enterprise (Enterprise), a local street gang in the Virgin Islands. Members and associates of the Enterprise engaged in narcotics distribution; money laundering; planned armed robberies of jewelry stores, racetracks, and banks; and ultimately, a violent struggle with a rival gang that led to three murders and several other shootings. James participated in two of the armed robberies and provided guns for his co-conspirators to use in criminal activity.
“This defendant is the eleventh and final Girard gang member to either plead guilty or be convicted at trial for their heinous crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These defendants victimized local residents by waging a bloody street war throughout St. Croix and robbing commercial establishments on both St. Croix and St. Thomas. As this case demonstrates, outstanding cooperation between federal and local law enforcement is vital to dismantling violent criminal enterprises and keeping our communities safe.”
“The Paul Girard Criminal Enterprise was a vicious and lawless gang that terrorized and victimized the people of the Virgin Islands for years,” stated U.S. Attorney Delia Smith for the District of the Virgin Islands. “The tremendous work of the FBI, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and attorneys from my office and the Justice Department’s Criminal Division delivered the ultimate reward to the people of our territory – just and lengthy sentences of imprisonment to those involved.”
“Criminal organizations like the one James took part in thrive by destabilizing governance through violence and intimidation,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “With this guilty plea, the FBI reiterates its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
James pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Paul Girard, the leader of the Enterprise, coordinated all of the gang’s activities while in prison. Girard and two other co-conspirators were convicted at trial in March 2022.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Marie Zisa and Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
Costa Rican Men Charged with Smuggling over 4,000 Pounds of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Orellana-Orellano, 48, and Keyran Coto-Lopez, 27, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile Henderson, III, for their initial appearance hearing after being charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana on board a vessel subject to jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents, on November 7, 2022, while conducting routine patrol in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, at approximately 65 nautical miles South of Boca Chica, Panama, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Campbell encountered a go-fast vessel with three individuals on board. The vessel had the name “Agamenon” painted on the hull, but had no physical flag flown, no registration documents nor registration number. Bales of suspected contraband were also visible on the deck of the vessel. The master of the vessel claimed Colombian nationality, but Colombia could not confirm the origin of the vessel. The vessel was therefore treated as one without nationality, subjecting it to the jurisdiction of the United States. Along with Orellana-Orellana and Coto-Lopez, a third individual, Alonso Hernandez-Hernandez, 38, was also charged in the drug smuggling operation. A search of the vessel revealed approximately 57 bales of suspected marijuana weighing 4,104 pounds. Two NIK field tests were conducted on the suspected substance which both yielded positive results for marijuana. If convicted, both face a minimum of 10 years and maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated jointly by U.S. Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal Indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Felon Sentenced to 186 Months on Home Invasion and Carjacking ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Davis, 34, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 186 months of incarceration by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, after being convicted of carjacking, using a firearm during a violent crime and felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Lewis also sentenced Davis to 5 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000.00, a special assessment of $300.00 and $1,600.00 in restitution.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of September 10, 2017, Davis, along with two assailants, broke into a couple’s home in Estate Rust Op Twist while brandishing a firearm. The group physically assaulted the male victim by punching him in the head and threatened to kill the couple while demanding money. Thereafter, at gunpoint, Davis and his assailants forced the couple into the rear passenger seat of their Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and drove to the shoreline location where the male victim had left his wallet. After retrieving the wallet, Davis and his assailants fled in the Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and a Jeep Wrangler. In addition to the vehicles, Davis stole $200.00 cash, two iPhones valued at $600 each and an iPad valued at $200.00. In 2011, Davis was convicted of first degree assault in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Spirit Airlines Passengers Charged with Smuggling Cocaine Concealed in Frozen ConchRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Edward Saldana, 36, and Bianca Torres, 34, both of St. Croix, appeared before United States Magistrate Emile A. Henderson, III, for their initial appearance hearing after being charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on January 23, 2023, Saldana and Torres were ticketed passengers on Spirit Airlines Flight #NK449 from St. Croix to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. During their primary inspection at the Henry Rohlsen Airport, both Saldana and Torres were in possession of carry-on cooler bags containing individually wrapped packages of frozen conch. Upon inspection of the packages, Customs and Border Patrol agents discovered four kilograms of a white powdery substance concealed inside the frozen conch. The powered substance later field tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, Saldana and Torres face a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Customs Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations are assigned to the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz is prosecuting this case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Sentenced to 32 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Julio Soto Robles, 34, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on Friday, January 27, 2023, to 32 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 735 grams of cocaine.
On August 24, 2022, Soto Robles pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court records, on August 18, 2020, Soto Robles and a co-traveler, Gregory Vega, arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport from Puerto Rico with no luggage. During a primary inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Soto Robles was found to be in possession of approximately $11,000 in U.S. currency. Soto Robles told CBP officers that the money was to pay for the surgery of a relative named Rafaela. Soto Robles further stated that he never met this relative and only knew her as “Tia Abuela.” On August 20, 2020, Soto Robles and his co-traveler returned to the Cyril E. King airport and attempted to board a flight to Puerto Rico. During secondary inspection, CBP officers searched a suitcase that the two men were carrying and discovered three separate bundles of cocaine.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne.
Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Matthew Hazel, 31, was sentenced on January 27, 2023 to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. District Court Chief Judge Robert Molloy also sentenced Hazel to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, with both sentences to run concurrently. Hazel must also pay a $200 special assessment.
On August 18, 2022, Hazel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with a drug deal that occurred at the Havensight Mall on St. Thomas. According to court documents, on October 13, 2021, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Confidential Source (CS) arranged to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine for $312,000. On October 14, 2021, at approximately, 4:01 PM, agents and the CS arrived at the Havensight Mall, which was the agreed-upon location, for the CS to purchase the cocaine. Hazel was one of several individuals who arrived at the scene. Hazel arrived driving a black G35 Infiniti sedan, which bore no license plate. Upon arrival on the scene, Hazel spoke with a couple of men before he exited the G35 Infiniti as the trunk of the vehicle sprung open. Agents then observed Hazel and the CS at the rear of the G35 looking into the trunk. Moments later, agents observed Hazel close the trunk as the CS gave a signal to the agents, confirming the presence of the suspected cocaine in the G35 Infinity.
Agents arrested Hazel and the other men. After the arrest, agents recovered approximately 25 brick-like packages of suspected cocaine from the trunk of the G35 Infinity and one loaded semi-automatic Walther Arms handgun, which was on the driver’s seat.
This case is being investigated jointly by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Air Marine Operations, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Ortiz and Meredith Edwards.This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
St. Croix Man Arrested on 2004 Florida WarrantRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today Edelfonso Garcia, 45, of St. Croix appeared before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III on for his initial appearance hearing after being arrested on a 2004 firearms possession warrant from the Florida. Garcia waived his detention and preliminary hearing and agreed to be returned to Florida to face charges.
According to court documents, Garcia was convicted in 2001 in Florida on the charge of possession of a firearm within a school zone and was placed on 5 years of probation. In 2004, an arrest warrant was issued by the Middle District of Florida, after Garcia violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release after being charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary and criminal mischief. Locally, Garcia was arrested by the Virgin Islands Police Department after they executed a search warrant in Pepper Tree Terrace and recovered live ammunition and illegal drugs.
The Virgin Island Police Department and U.S. Marshals are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case.
Former TSA Officer Pleads Guilty to Altering DocumentsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. announced today that Cleon Otto, Jr., 35, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of altering official documents.
According to court records, on July 9, 2022, Otto, then an employee of the Transportation Security Administration and a member of the Virgin Islands National Guards, electronically placed the authorized signature of a National Guards employee on official documents requesting military leave when no such leave was authorized. Otto faces a maximum term of one year in prison and a maximum fine of $100.00.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Former DEA Informant Sentenced to 368 Months for His Role in Haulover Bay ShootoutRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Samuel Elias Pena Columna, 49, of St. John, was sentenced to 368 months of imprisonment and fined $10,000.00 by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy. In September 2022, a federal jury convicted Pena Columna of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents and evidence presented at his trial, on September 25, 2019, Pena Columna was involved in a shootout with several U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Interdiction Agents. That evening, Pena Columna drove co-defendants Rammer Guerrero Morales and Joan Morales Nolasco, as well as two other men, to Haulover Bay, a well-known drug smuggling area on the east end of St. John, with over $1.1 million in cash to conduct a 100-kilogram cocaine transaction with traffickers from Tortola, BVI. After arriving at the top of trail, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco headed down towards the ocean. Guerrero Morales was armed with a 9mm handgun and Morales Nolasco was armed with an AR-15 long gun. After confirming that the trail was clear, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco had planned to signal for the other coconspirators waiting in Pena Columna’s vehicle to bring the cash down the trail to complete the drug transaction while Pena Columna waited at the top of the trail in his vehicle.
Trial evidence further revealed that, while traveling down the trail, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco encountered two federal agents who immediately announced themselves as police. Guerrero Morales fired his weapon, and a shootout erupted leaving one agent with gunshot wounds to his shoulder and leg. During the exchange of fire, Guerrero Morales was hit in his leg which was later amputated due to the severity of his injury. After the shootout, Morales Nolasco fled the scene and ultimately made his way to the Dominican Republic. He was later extradited back to the Territory for prosecution. Pena Columna and the two remaining co-conspirators also fled the scene, taking the $1.1 million with them. When confronted by DEA agents, Pena Columna admitted that he had heard about the incident, but later admitted that he drove the men to the Cruz Bay area where they escaped. At trial, federal agents testified that Pena Columna was a paid informant who was not authorized to engage in any criminal activity without express prior approval from DEA and only under their supervision. Evidence at trial further revealed that, during the entire course of his agreement with DEA, Pena Columna operated his own large-scale cocaine trafficking organization with Nolasco Morales.
“Thanks to the great collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies, this sentencing should send a strong message that Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking, dismantling, and bringing to justice those who perpetrate drug trafficking and violent crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands” said Acting Special Agent in Charge-Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos. “Individuals and organizations that attempt to circumvent our legal system must realize that Air and Marine Operations agents are steadfast in their determination to enforce US laws in our borders,” stated Augusto Reyes, Director of Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Molloy noted that Pena Columna essentially had been working as a double agent, gathering and providing information to DEA on drug traffickers, while engaging in the same conduct behind law enforcement’s back. Chief Judge Molloy further stated that although Columna Pena did not fire a weapon, under federal law, he is responsible for the foreseeable criminal conduct of his co-defendants, noting that the possibility of a shootout was certainly foreseeable in this case. Before imposing the sentence of 368 months, Chief Judge Molloy stated that, among other factors, the sentence must reflect the “very serious” nature of the crimes Pena Columna committed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and the Virgin Islands Police Department investigated the case. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Kyle Payne prosecuted this case.
Brothel Owner Sentenced to 87 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Ramona Rivera Luna, 65, a native of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced in federal court today after previously pleading guilty to one count of transporting an individual in foreign commerce for the purpose of prostitution and three counts of bringing illegal aliens to the United States for financial gain. Chief District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Rivera Luna to a term of 87 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $1,095,712.00 and $20,400.00 in a mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, Rivera Luna arranged for illegal aliens living in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to be smuggled to St. Thomas to live and work as prostitutes at The Embers Guest House, an illegal house of prostitution that she owned and operated. Rivera Luna admitted to having lured some of these women into traveling to St. Thomas under the false pretense of providing them with legitimate employment as bartenders. Rivera Luna further admitted that she financially benefitted from this arrangement as the women were required to reimburse her for the cost of their transportation. The women were also required to pay Rivera Luna rent and a cut of the money they earned from performing commercial sex acts. In handing down the sentence, Chief Judge Molloy noted the mental anguish that Rivera Luna caused her victims to suffer.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards prosecuted this case.
Four Sentenced in Gem and Gold Corner Jewelry Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Tashawn T.A. Warner, 25, Shemar Webster, 23, and Jamari Benjamin, 25, all of St. Thomas, were sentenced by United States Chief District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to terms of imprisonment ranging from 135 to 36 months for their roles in the Hobb’s Act armed robbery of Gem and Gold Corner Jewelry Store in St. Thomas. Warner, the leader and organizer of the group, was sentenced to 135 months incarceration, while Webster was sentenced to 125 months incarceration and Benjamin was sentenced to 36 months incarceration. All three defendants were also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $510,000.00 to Dorchester Insurance D/B/A Topa Insurance Services, Inc., and Gem and Gold Corner Jewelry Store.
According to court documents, on September 19, 2020, Warner, Webster and Benjamin robbed Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry Store located on the waterfront near Veteran’s Drive in St. Thomas. The group arrived at Gem and Gold Corner Jewelry Store at approximately 9:31 a.m., in a white Suzuki Vitara. Warner and Webster entered the jewelry store, both armed with an AK 47 rifle and a Glock 22 handgun and wearing face coverings, while Benjamin, the getaway driver, remained in the vehicle. Once inside the store, Webster and Warner pointed their firearms at five employees, two of whom were unarmed security officers, and ordered them to lie on floor with their hands up. Warner and Webster then used their firearms to smash glass cases and removed jewelry with a gross estimated value of approximately $1.1 million. Both men stuffed a large quantity of jewelry in a duffel bag, and when the bag was full, they stuffed more jewelry in their pants pockets. During the armed robbery, Webster physically assaulted the owner of Gem and Gold Corner with his firearm causing injury to his head. The three men later fled the scene and traveled to the Mafolie Hill area where Webster escaped in a second vehicle while Warner and Benjamin fled the area in the white Vitara. Virgin Islands Police Officers pursued Warner and Benjamin as they traveled to the Bovoni Housing Community and abandoned the Vitara and fled on foot. Forensic Officers collected masks, gloves and jewelry from the abandoned vehicle, and DNA collected from those items linked Warner and Webster to the armed robbery. Benjamin later turned himself in to law enforcement, while Webster fled to Altanta, GA, and Warner went into hiding. In November 2020, Webster was extradited back to St. Thomas, and Warner was arrested in December 2020.
During the execution of Warner’s arrest warrant, Shemelle Isaac, 31, was also arrested after federal agents observed Isaac driving a black Infiniti sedan at a high rate of speed toward Warner’s residence. Isaac stopped his vehicle next to Warner’s parked vehicle and opened the trunk of his Infiniti while still seated in the driver’s seat. Agents then observed Warner remove a duffel bag from his vehicle that matched the description of the bag used in the Gem and Gold Corner Jewelry Store armed robbery and place it in the trunk of Isaac’s vehicle. Isaac was charged as an accessory after the fact after federal agents found four firearms, including the Glock 22 used in the robbery, a large quantity of jewelry and $5,540.00 cash inside the duffel bag. Isaac admitted to the agents that he was aware that Warner was wanted by law enforcement in connection with Gem and Gold Corner’s armed robbery. For his role, Isaac was sentenced four days incarceration, and three years of supervised release.
“The effects of gun violence are felt far and wide in our small community. This vicious and senseless act left a permanent and traumatic impact on the victims of the robbery. The tremendous work of the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, however, delivered the ultimate reward to the victims and the people of our Territory – justice, lengthy terms of imprisonment and full restitution”, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith stated. The Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted this case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Cyril E. King Airport Employee and Florida Man Charged with Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Shakari Francis, 26, of St. Thomas, and Ahkoy Smith, 24, of Daytona Beach, FL, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Ruth Miller for an initial appearance hearing after being charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on January 11, 2023, Customs and Border Protection Officers at Cyril E. King Airport were screening passengers on Spirit Airlines flight NK283 from St. Thomas to Orlando. During the screening, Smith, a ticketed passenger on flight NK283, attempted to flee but was apprehended by CBP officers. A CBP canine later alerted to Smith’s "Jordan" backpack which was on his back when he was apprehended. Smith admitted that he packed his backpack and that it belonged to him. CBP officers inspected Smith’s backpack and discovered two brick-shaped objects wrapped in black tape which later tested positive for the presence of cocaine and weighed approximately 2.25 kilograms. Also on January 11, 2023, CBP officers observed Francis, a Cape Air ramp agent, entering the men's restroom located in the departure terminal shortly after Smith entered the same restroom. Francis admitted that he entered the restroom with two bricks of cocaine which he later delivered to Smith. Francis and Smith both face a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol are investigating, and Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper is prosecuting this case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a crime was committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Port Authority Officer and Airport Employee Plead Guilty to Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Wayne Jeffers, 52, and Charles Rawlins, III, 39, both of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Cocaine.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 11, 2022, Jeffers, a Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer stationed at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, placed a black suitcase containing 12 bricks of cocaine inside a ladder truck that was parked on the ramp of the airport. Later that morning, Rawlins, an airport ramp worker, removed the suitcase from the ladder truck and placed it on a baggage cart to be loaded on a Seaborne Silver aircraft destined for San Juan, PR. The luggage containing the cocaine was later seized by Customs and Border Protection Officers. A drug analyzed conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Southeast Laboratory in Miami, FL, confirmed that the seized substance was cocaine with a net weight of 12.01 kilograms. Rawlins and Jeffers each face a mandatory minimum term of 10 years imprisonment on their conviction. A federal district court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted this case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney’s Office Collects $246,498.00 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
U.S. Virgin Islands – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that the District of the Virgin Islands collected $246,498.00 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of that amount, $244,898.00 was collected in criminal actions and $1,600.00 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the District of the Virgin Islands worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $73,600.00 in civil cases pursued jointly by those offices.
“The primary incentive for most federal crimes is money,” stated U.S. Attorney Delia Smith. “By aggressively recovering illegal proceeds from criminals, the Justice Department fights to ensure, in a very literal sense, that crime does not pay. Even more importantly, we work tirelessly to recover money from defendants to make the victim of their crimes whole again.” The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Virgin Islands, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $820,902.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
FBI and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Financial Sextortion SchemesRead the Press Release
U.S. Virgin Islands - The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion. Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides. A large percentage of these sextortion schemes originate outside of the United States, and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and our partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys—and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is here for victims, but we also need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does. Victims may feel like there is no way out—it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone.”
“The protection of children is a society’s most sacred duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “It calls on each of us to do everything we can to keep kids from harm, including ensuring the threats they face are brought into the light and confronted. Armed with the information in this alert message, parents, caregivers, and children themselves should feel empowered to detect fake identities, take steps to reject any attempt to obtain private material, and if targeted, have a plan to seek help from a trusted adult.” Financial sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males, between 14 to 17 years old but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10 years old.
“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI Acting Executive Associate Director. “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.” Through deception, predators convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends money or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.
“This is a growing crisis and we've seen sextortion completely devastate children and families,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “As the leading nonprofit focused on child protection, we've seen first-hand the rise in these cases worldwide. The best defense against this crime is to talk to your children about what to do if they're targeted online. We want everyone to know help is out there and they're not alone.”
What if you or your child is a victim?
If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
- Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
- REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
- BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
- Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
- Visit org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
- Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
- If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at [email protected] or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.
Dominican Republic Man Sentenced to 141 Months Incarceration in Connection with Haulover Bay ShootoutRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Rammer Guerrero Morales, 31, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 141 months of imprisonment by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy. In March 2022, Guerrero Morales pleaded guilty to possession and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents and evidence presented at co-defendant Samuel Pena Columna’s trial, on September 25, 2019, Guerrero Morales was involved in a shootout with several U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Interdiction agents. On the evening of September 25, 2019, Guerrero Morales and three co-conspirators were driven by Pena Columna to Haulover Bay, a well-known drug smuggling area on the east end of St. John, with over $1.1 million to conduct a 100-kilogram cocaine transaction with traffickers from Tortola, BVI. After arriving at the trail in Haulover Bay, Guerrero Morales and co-defendant Joan Morales Nolasco headed down the trail. Guerrero Morales was armed with a handgun and Morales Nolasco was armed with the long gun. After confirming that the trail was clear, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco had planned to signal for the other co-conspirators waiting in Pena Columna’s vehicle to bring the $1.1 in cash down the trial to complete the drug transaction while Pena Columna waited at the top of the trail in his vehicle.
Trial evidence further revealed that, on their way down to the trail, Guerrero Morales and Morales Nolasco encountered two CBP agents who immediately announced themselves as police. The agents were fired upon by Guerrero Morales and a shootout ensued leaving one agent with gunshot wounds to his shoulder and leg. The agents returned fire hitting Guerrero Morales in his leg which was later amputated due to the severity of his injury. During the shootout, Morales Nolasco fled the scene and ultimately made his way to the Dominican Republic. He was later extradited back to the Territory for prosecution. Pena Columna and the two remaining co-conspirators also fled the scene. Pena Columna, a paid confidential source conducting his own drug trafficking organization, later told federal agents that he took the two men, along with the $1.1 million dollars, near the Cruz Bay area where they escaped.
Pena Columna was convicted in September 2022, and his sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2023. Morales Nolasco pleaded guilty in March 2022, and on December 6, 2022, he was sentenced to 101 months of incarceration for his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Virgin Islands Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Kyle Payne prosecuted the case. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ OCDETF.