District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Venezuelan Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Erickson Bolivar, 32, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Bolivar was one of three men charged with smuggling 41 kilograms of cocaine into the Territory.
According to court documents, on November 21, 2021, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine and Homeland Security Investigations agents detected a vessel on the northwest coast of St. Thomas, VI. The agents launched their interceptor vessel and later stopped the target vessel traveling west towards Puerto Rico without navigation lights. Onboard were Bolivar, the captain of the vessel, and two other occupants. Bolivar told agents that they were going fishing, but agents only found two fishing rods without any bait or lures. The vessel and its occupants were transported to Fajardo, PR, for further investigation. There, agents discovered brick-shaped objects containing a powder substance concealed in a hidden compartment in the stern of the vessel. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis confirmed that the power substance was cocaine weighing approximately 41 kilograms.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection and Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCEDTF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transactional 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.
Venezuelan Boat Captain Apprehended Near St. Croix Sentenced in Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel CaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Vicent Mata Anyelo a/k/a Vicent Mata, age 33, the captain and last to be sentenced of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, was sentenced on December 13, 2022 to 65 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release by U.S. Judge Wilma Lewis on the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. In addition, he must pay a $100 special assessment fee and is subject to deportation.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named La Gran Tormenta displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Crew members from the USCG Cutter Donald Horsley subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick-shaped objects which were subsequently laboratory tested and found to contain approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride (powder cocaine).
After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from Venezuela, the flag state, USCG personnel attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective because crew on the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Eventually, USCG personnel obtained control of the La Gran Tormenta through use of an entanglement tactic which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including the defendant.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.Ecuadorian Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Eliecer Pineda Torres, 52, of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile 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 Torres has been scheduled for April 14, 2023.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2021, while on routine patrol in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter HAMILTON spotted a 52’ low-profile vessel approximately 77 nautical miles north of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The unnamed vessel, outfitted with three outboard engines, had no flag flown or registration number. Onboard the vessel were individuals later identified as Luis Rodriguez, Eliecer Pineda Torres, Carlos Benitez Estupinan and Anthony Cuero Garcia. Neither individual claimed to be master nor nationality of the vessel thereby making the vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. During an inspection of the vessel, USCG crew members found approximately 43 bales of suspected cocaine. A field tests was conducted which yielded positive results for the presence of cocaine. The total weight for the suspected cocaine was approximately 1,298 kilograms. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis later concluded that the suspected substance tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride. Defendants Rodriguez of Columbia and Benitez Estupinan and Cuero Garcia of Ecuador also pleaded guilty to cocaine conspiracy. At sentencing, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum of life, plus deportation. A federal District Court judge will determine their sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, 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.
Bvi Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Shannon John, 37, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possess with intent to Distribute Cocaine while onboard a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States.
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 four occupants later identified as Shannon John, Sean John, Emmanuel Tolentino-Lebron and Augusto Rodriguez-Molina, along with 21 bales wrapped in plastic and encased in rope. Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis later confirmed that the bales recovered from the vessel contained approximately 567 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. Defendants Sean John and Tolentino-Lebron pleaded guilty on December 7, 2022, to the conspiracy charge. At sentencing, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal District Court judge will determine their sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
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.
Romanian Fugitive and Six Nationals Charged with Unlawfully Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Clementina Rostas, 21, Argentina Razmies, 22, Ion Razmies, 33, Alexandru Panait, 34, Gheorghe Varga, 32, Hercule Muntean, 35, and Florian Muntean, 20, all of Romania, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for their initial appearance hearing after being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agent at the Fredericks Marine Terminal in St. Thomas, VI, and charged with illegal entry into the United States.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2022, U.S. Border Patrol agents received a report from the Virgin Islands Police Department that a group of seven individuals was boarding a passenger ferry in Cruz Bay, St. John, headed to St. Thomas. Border Patrol agents later determined that the individuals had illegally entered the United States Virgin Islands after confirming their identities through photographs. Upon arrival at the Fredericks Terminal, the individuals were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents and charged with unlawful entry. Agents further discovered that Florian Muntean is wanted in Spain based on an outstanding warrant for murder.
This case is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker.
California Man Charged with Smuggling Marijuana Onboard American Airlines Flight to St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a Christophe Alain Foisy, age 27, of California, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for his initial appearing hearing after being charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court documents, Foisy arrived in St. Thomas on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta, GA, with thirty-two vacuum sealed packages containing a green leafy substance in his checked suitcases. After Foisy confirmed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that the suitcases were indeed his, the officers field tested the green leafy substance which yielded a positive reaction for the presence of marijuana and weighed approximately 18 kilograms.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating this case and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
California Man Charged with Smuggling Marijuana Onboard United Airlines Flight to St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Victor Hugo Ruiz, age 32, of California, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for his initial appearing hearing after being charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana arrested on December 11, 2022, at the Cyril E. King Airport.
According to court documents, Ruiz arrived in St. Thomas on United Airlines flight #1443 from Dulles International Airport in Virginia with forty-one vacuum sealed packages containing a green leafy substance in his checked suitcases. After Ruiz confirmed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that the suitcases were indeed his, the officers field tested the green leafy substance which yielded a positive reaction for the presence of marijuana and weighed approximately 14 kilograms.
The Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case which 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.
Indian National Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Re-Entering the United States After RemovalRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ashokkumar Prahladbhai Patel, 40, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Re-Entry of Removed Alien.
According to court documents, on November 24, 2021, Patel, an illegal alien and Indian national, appeared before U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix for pre-boarding inspection for his flight on Spirit Airlines to Fort Lauderdale, FL. During his inspection, Patel presented a fraudulent Florida driver’s license. CBP officers then conducted a database inquiry which revealed that on August 17, 2019, Patel was apprehended and detained by CBP in Tecate, CA, and was processed for expedited removal. Patel was subsequently removed from the United States to India on November 21, 2019. After his removal, Patel did not obtain express consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to re-enter the United States. Patel’s sentencing in this matter is scheduled for April 5, 2023, where he faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
Dominican Republic National Imprisoned After Falsely Claiming United States CitizenshipRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Ramon Torres-Pichardo, 28, of the Dominican Republic, was sentence to eight months of imprisonment by Judge Wilma A. Lewis on his conviction on Material False Statement. His sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release and a special assessment of $100 on the charge of Material False Statement.
According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Torres-Pichardo presented himself for inspection to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix before attempting to board a flight to San Juan, PR, where he presented a Puerto Rico driver’s license as identification. During routine travel and immigration related questions by CBP, Torres-Pichardo falsely claimed to be a United States citizen and a resident of Puerto Rico. Torres-Pichardo was then referred for a secondary inspection due to concerns regarding the authenticity of his driver’s license. When questioned, Torres-Pichardo failed to correctly respond to questions regarding commonly known areas in Puerto Rico. Thereafter, Torres-Pichardo admitted that he was not a citizen of the United States and that he was not legally authorized to be present in the United States. Upon further investigation, CBP determined that the Puerto Rico driver’s license presented by Torres-Pichardo was fraudulent.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rihkye.
Three Venezuelan Nationals Sentenced in Cocaine Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Algler Rodriguez-Boadas, 21, Johan J. Pacheco-Lezama, 34, and Henry Gonzalez-Noriega, 48, were sentenced by District Court Judge Wilma Lewis on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Pacheco-Lezama was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by two years supervised release, and Rodriguez-Boadas and Gonzalez-Noriega were sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by 2 years supervised release. The defendants were also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee and are subject to deportation after serving their sentences.
According to court documents, on September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel displaying the name “La Gran Tormenta” with Venezuelan nationality at approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. The occupants of “La Gran Tormenta” failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to stop the vessel and later changed course and began jettisoning packages overboard. USCG crew members subsequently retrieved two bales from the ocean that contained packages of brick-shaped objects which tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 49 kilograms. After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from Venezuela, USCG unsuccessfully attempted a right-of-visit boarding of the vessel. After gaining control of the “La Gran Tormenta” by disabling the vessel’s engine, USCG crew members detained 11 individuals, including Rodriguez-Boadas, Pacheco-Lezama and Gonzalez-Noriega.
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection, and was 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.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Thomas Man of District’s First Fentanyl Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal jury convicted Elijah Hakim, of St. Thomas, in the District’s first prosecution of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl prosecution. 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. Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy schedule Hakim’s sentencing for February 24, 2023.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from April 20, 2021, to May 20, 2021, Hakim conspired to mail two packages containing fentanyl from Georgia to St. Thomas. The first package was mailed on April 22, 2021, and 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, area post office to St. Thomas. The second package was mailed on May 18, 2021, and 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, VI. Court documents also revealed that during this period, a victim on St. Thomas overdosed from consuming pills suspected to contain 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 which consisted of 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.
“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 these two shipments of fentanyl 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 SAC Denise Foster from the DEA Caribbean Division. “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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Edwards and Kyle Payne prosecuted the case.
Two Venezuelans Apprehended Near St. Croix Sentenced in Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel CaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Francisco Rodriguez-Infante, age 28, and Johnny Rodriguez-Rodriguez, age 30, two of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, were sentenced on October 27, 2022 to 41 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release by U.S. Judge Wilma Lewis on the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. In addition, they must pay a $100 special assessment fee and are subject to deportation.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named La Gran Tormenta displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Crew members from the USCG Cutter Donald Horsley subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick-shaped objects which were subsequently laboratory tested and found to contain approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride (powder cocaine).
After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from Venezuela, the flag state, USCG personnel attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective because crew on the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Eventually, USCG personnel obtained control of the La Gran Tormenta through use of an entanglement tactic which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including the defendants.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
District Election Officer Appointed for the November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Virgin Islands - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. Huston has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of the Virgin Islands and, in that capacity, is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. U.S. Attorney Smith said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination, and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff members must be able to serve without being subjected to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers and election fraud and will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice when the voters need assistance because of a disability or inability to read or write in English.
"The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Huston can be reaced at (340) 713-4878 while the polls are open", U.S. Attorney Smith said. Additionally, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. On St. Thomas FBI special agents can be reached at (340) 777-3363, and on St. Croix at (340) 712-3400. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, by phone at (800) 253-3931, or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Smith said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice." Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidatin, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdicion over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.s. Attorney’s Office Takes Part in Justice Deparment’s Wide Range Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – The United States Justice Department recently announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Justice Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the past year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced that it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Fraud targeting our seniors is especially reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith from the District of the Virgin Islands. “These scams harm the financial stability of a vulnerable group typically with limited income and resources. My office will aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that impact seniors in the territory, and we will pursue every possible avenue to recover financial losses for any victims.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Justice Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. Most recently during this past year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands recovered fraudulently obtained disaster relief funds obtained by a defendant who falsely represented himself as the owner of a home severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. The home was actually owned by the defendant’s elderly relative.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands also engages in outreach to raise awareness about elder-targeted scams and exploitation. This past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a presentation at a local financial institution to increase elder fraud awareness. This coming year, the Office will continue to raise awareness about elder fraud schemes by addressing seniors through a variety of community organizations.
The Justice Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. The Department announced that, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force by adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Justice Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union.
Additionally, the Justice Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud. The Department also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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St. Croix Man Sentenced to 51 Months on Felon in Possession ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jahseen Simmonds, 30, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and $1,000 fine by District Judge Wilma Lewis on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 3, 2020, Virgin Islands Police Officers were patrolling the John F. Kennedy housing community. As they approached Building 29, officers observed a group of male individuals sitting in the archway of the building. One of those individuals, later identified as Simmonds, immediately ran up the stairs of the building and into an apartment on the second floor. Officers knocked on the apartment door and Simmonds exited the apartment and admitted to the officers that he did not live at that address. Police again knocked on the door of the apartment and two residents came to the door and stated that they did not give Simmonds permission to enter their apartment. The residents later provided consent to search their apartment and officers found a firearm on the balcony of the apartment. The residents stated that the firearm was not on the balcony before Simmonds ran into their apartment, and that the firearm did not belong to either of the residents.
An inspection of the firearm revealed that one live 9mm round was chambered and 15 live 9mm rounds were in the magazine. Along with the firearm, officers seized an extended magazine that was loaded with 31 live 9mm rounds. Simmonds was previously convicted of a felony offense.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Ecuadorian National Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Anthony Rommel Cuero Garcia, 24, of Ecuador, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine while on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. Cuero Garcia’s sentencing date was scheduled for January 11, 2023.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2021, while on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft spotted a low-profile vessel approximately 77 nautical miles north of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Cutter HAMILTON was diverted to the scene. Upon arrival, Coast Guard officers encountered the low-profile vessel which was outfitted with three outboard engines, had no flag flown, no registration numbers nor name painted on the hull. After boarding the vessel, the boarding team encountered four individuals later identified as Luis Rodriguez, a Columbian national, and Eliecer Pineda Torres, Carlos Benitez Estupinan and Anthony Cuero Garcia, all Ecuadorian nationals. With no claimed nationality or master of the vessel, the vessel was determined to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Thereafter, Coast Guard officers inspected the vessel and found approximately 43 bales which contained 1,298 kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection. It 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 Puerto Rican Males Charged in Cocaine Trafficking IndictmentRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a two-count Indictment charging Pedro Juan Ramos-Ramirez, 27, Gerald Albert Cruz, 26, and Johnny Arias-Rodriguez, 27, all of Puerto Rico, 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 December 29, 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Marine Operations officers interdicted a "go-fast" vessel operating without navigational lights heading away from the northwestern coast of St. Thomas. While in pursuit of the go-fast vessel, CBP officers noticed two occupants of the vessel throwing what appeared to be black duffel bags into the ocean. CBP officers then attempted to stop the vessel and was forced to disable the engines of the vessel after it failed to comply. The captain and two crew members were detained by CBP, and the duffel bags were recovered from the ocean. The duffel bags contained 73 bricks of cocaine that weighed approximately 75 kilograms.
This investigation is being conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Venezuelan Sentenced to 48 Months in Drug Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Daniel Jesus Salazar-Gonzalez, 43, one of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, was sentenced today to 46 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release by District Judge Wilma Lewis on the charge of 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 September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted the "La Gran Tormenta", a suspicious 55-foot vessel displaying Venezuelan nationality, approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. The occupants of the vessel failed to respond to the Coast Guard’s efforts to engage in questioning, and thereafter changed course and began jettisoning packages. Coast Guard crew members later detained 11 individuals onboard the vessel and retrieved two bales from the ocean which contained packages of brick-shaped objects that tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride and weighed approximately 49 kilograms.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection. It 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.
Former High School Track and Field Coach Charged in Twenty-Count Child Exploitation IndictmentRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging Alfredo Bruce Smith, 51, of St. Thomas, with twenty counts of charges including production of child pornography, coercion and enticement, and transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity. Smith is also charged with Virgin Islands sexual offenses including aggravated second-degree rape. If convicted, Smith faces a possible sentence of life imprisonment.
According to court documents, Smith worked as a coach and school monitor at Charlotte Amalie High School. In 2021, Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation into Smith’s alleged criminal activities after receiving reports that he sexually assaulted a minor during a school-sponsored track and field trip in March 2019. A subsequent search of Smith’s social media and cell phones revealed dozens of images of child pornography, many of which depicted sex acts occurring at Charlotte Amalie High School
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard Potter and Natasha L. Baker. Homeland Security Investigations encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-800-981-3030, or by calling 787-729-6969.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an Indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
ST. CROIX, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Kareme Holst, age 46, of Colorado, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Holst’s sentencing hearing in this matter is scheduled for December 12, 2022.
According to court documents, on October 19, 2021, Holst was referred to secondary while attempting to board a flight from St. Croix’s Henry Rohlsen Airport to Miami. While in secondary inspection, Holst’s possessions, including a case of liquor, was x-rayed, and the box appeared to contain six round jars with an unknown substance. Upon further inspection of the box, officers discovered six jars of solid coconut substance, and inside each jar was a plastic bag containing a white powdered substance. A search of Holst’s suitcase also yielded an additional plastic bag containing a white powdered substance that was found in a pocket in a pair of pants. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the white powdered substance was cocaine weighing approximately 2.7 kilograms.
For his conviction, Holst faces a term of not less than five years and not more than 40 years imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. CROIX, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jason Lee Current, age 44, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Current’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 22, 2022.
According to court documents, on November 5, 2020, Custom and Border Protection officers in San Juan, PR, intercepted a mail parcel that contained 112 grams of methamphetamine and 341 grams of marijuana. The package was mailed from California and addressed to Current. On November 10, 2020, federal agents replaced the methamphetamine and marijuana with sham drugs and outfitted the parcel with a tracking device. That same day, Current picked up the parcel at the Sunny Isles Post Office in St. Croix. Federal agents followed Current using the tracking device, but he eluded the agents after discovering and destroying the tracking device. Current was subsequently taken into custody on November 13, 2020, and charged with the offense. For his conviction, Current faces a mandatory minimum 10 years and not more than life of imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
St. Croix Felon Pleads Guilty to Home Invasion and CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Luis Davis, 34, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Using a Firearm During a Violent Crime, Carjacking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for December 2, 2022, where Davis faces, a maximum of 15 years of incarceration on the carjacking, a maximum of 10 years on the felon in possession, and a mandatory minimum of seven years on the firearm possession during a violent crime. 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 10, 2017, Davis, along with two co-defendants, broke into a home in Estate Rust Op Twist while brandishing a firearm. Davis and is co-defendants physically assaulted an occupant of the home by punching him in the head and threatened to kill another occupant while demanding money. Davis and his co-defendants then forced the occupants, at gunpoint, into the rear passenger seat of their Toyota Tacoma truck and drove to the shoreline location where the male occupant had left his wallet. After retrieving the wallet, Davis and his codefendants fled in the Toyota Tacoma truck and a Jeep Wrangler. In addition to the vehicles, Davis and his co-defendants stole $200.00 cash, two iPhones valued at $600 each and an iPad valued at $200.00. In 2011, Davis was convicted of Felony Assault in the First Degree 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
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California Woman Charged with Smuggling Marijuana Through Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Joeva Elizabeth Williams of Sacramento, CA, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on July 25, 2022, following her arrest on Saturday, July 23, 2022, for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. She was ordered released upon the posting of a $10,000.00 unsecured bond.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2022, Williams arrived at the Cyril E. King airport on an inbound flight from that originated in Houston, TX. While conducting an inbound inspection of United Airlines flight #1908 , a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in two suitcases. Williams later retrieved both suitcases from the luggage carousel and was later escorted by CBP officers to a secondary inspection. After conducting a search of Williams’ suitcases in secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered thirty-seven (37) vacuum-sealed packages containing a green, leafy substance which field-tested positive for marijuana. The total weight of the packages was approximately 20.44 kilograms.
This case 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.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Twice Deported Dr National Sentence to Nine Months of Incarceration and DeportationRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Reynaldo Mejia-Mejia, 33, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by District Judge Wilma Lewis on his conviction of illegally reentering the United States. Judge Lewis sentenced Mejia-Mejia to nine months of incarceration followed by one year of supervised release, deportation and was ordered not enter the United States without first obtaining the permission of the Attorney General or Department of Homeland Security.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2022, Mejia-Mejia presented himself to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspection prior to boarding a Spirit Airlines flight from St. Croix to Fort Lauderdale, FL. He presented a Washington State driver’s license in the name of another individual with a photo of his likeness as proof of identification to travel. During his primary inspection, Mejia-Mejia falsely stated that he was born in Puerto Rico, despite speaking with a distinct Dominican Republic accent. A subsequent fingerprint analysis positively identified Mejia-Mejia as an individual that was previously deported in 2018 and 2019 from the United States to the Dominican Republic. It was further determined that Mejia-Mejia is not a citizen or national of the United States and was not authorized to be present in the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated this case and Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Ortiz prosecuted this matter.
Three Venezuelans Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Vicent Mata Anyelo, 23, Alfer Rodriguez Boadas, 24, and Jhonny Rodriguez Rodriguez, 29, three of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before United States 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.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named “La Gran Tormenta” displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Crew members from the USCG Cutter Donald Horsley subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick-shaped objects which were subsequently laboratory tested and found to contain approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride.
After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from the Venezuela, the flag state, USCG personnel attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective as the crew of the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Shortly thereafter, USCG personnel obtained control of the La Gran Tormenta through use of an entanglement tactics which disabled the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including the defendants. Anyelo was the captain of the vessel.
Sentencing hearings have been scheduled for October 27, 2022, and October 28, 2022, for the defendants. For their convictions, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection, and 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, intelligencedriven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law
enforcement agencies against criminal networks.St. Thomas Man Charged with Illegally Possessing an Ar-15 FirearmRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Desi Henry, Jr., 29, of St. Thomas, was detained by U.S. Magistrate Ruth Miller following his arrest on June 28, 2022, on felon in possession of a firearm charges.
According to court documents, Henry is currently on home confinement for a criminal matter pending trial in the Virgin Islands Superior Court. On May 16, 2022, Superior Court Marshals conducted a routine inspection of Henry’s home during which they discovered a lower receiver of an AR-15 firearm, a high-capacity drum magazine and two optical rifle sights in Henry’s bedroom. Henry is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm based on his 2015 firearm conviction on possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Henry told Superior Court Marshals that an unknown female brought the firearm to him because he is known to "be good with his hands." If convicted, Henry faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. United States Attorney Delia L Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican Republic Brothel Owner Pleads Guilty to Transporting Illegal Aliens for the Purpose of ProstitutionRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Ramona Rivera Luna, 65, a Dominican Republic national, pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022 before United States Magistrate Ruth Miller 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.
According to court documents, Rivera Luna owned and operated The Embers Guest House as a house of prostitution and arranged for female illegal aliens from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to be smuggled into St. Thomas, VI, to live and work as prostitutes at her establishment. Rivera Luna admitted that she lured some of the women into coming 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 by requiring the women to pay her for their trips to St. Thomas and charging them rent and a percentage of the money they earned from performing commercial sex acts at The Embers.
The investigation of this case was led by Homeland Security Investigations, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards prosecuted the case.
New York Man Sentenced to Probation and Fined for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Christopher Dunn, 49, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to four years of probation by Chief District Court Judge Robert Molloy on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 1.37 kilograms of marijuana. Judge Molloy also ordered Dunn to pay a $2,000.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 11, 2021, Dunn arrived at the Cyril E. King airport a flight from JFK New York. While conducting flight inspections, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered a green leafy substance in Dunn’s carry-on luggage. CBP officers then escorted Dunn to secondary inspection where they conducted a thorough search of Dunn’s carry-on bags and discovered three vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana weighing approximately 1.37 kilograms.
This case 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. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CBP investigated, and Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker prosecuted this case.
Former Banco Popular Employee Sentenced to 12 Months for Fraudulent Use of ATM CardsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Natasha Seetaram, 39, of St. Thomas, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy to 12 months and one day of incarceration, followed by four years of supervised release for bank fraud.
According to court records, Seetaram formerly worked at a St. Thomas branch of Banco Popular where she used her position as a bank employee to issue debit cards in the names of two unknowing bank customers. After issuing the ATM debit cards, Seetaram used the cards for her own personal benefit by making fraudulent ATM withdrawals and purchases in the amount of approximately $43,000.00 in St. Thomas and Jacksonville, FL. The two victims were subsequently reimbursed by the bank and Seetaram was ordered by the court to pay restitution to the bank in the amount of $43,418.76.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Sixth Venezuelan Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to U.s. JurisdictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Alexis Fuentes, 33, one of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before U.S. 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. The sentencing date for Fuentes is scheduled for October 19, 2022. For his conviction, Fuentes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named La Gran Tormenta displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Thereafter, the USCG requested and received permission to stop the vessel from Venezuela, the flag state of the vessel. The USCG personnel then attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective because crew of the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Eventually, USCG personnel disabled the La Gran Tormenta and a counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including Fuentes. The USCG Cutter Donald Horsley boarding crew subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained brick-shaped objects which tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 49 kilograms.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Georgia Man Charged with Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Demonn Chadwick Jenkins II, 27, of Georgia, appeared before United States Magistrate Ruth Miller following his arrest on June 17, 2022, in St. Thomas on the charge of fraudulent use of credit card information. He was ordered release upon the posting of a $7,500.00 cash bond.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2022, Jenkins used a Capital One Platinum Mastercard bearing another individual's name to purchase a diamond necklace for $9990.00 and a Rolex watch for $10,800.00 at a jewelry store located on Main Street, St. Thomas. On June 17, 2022, Jenkins was encountered by Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he failed to declare the jewelry and pay the required duty tax. He was later identified as the purchaser of the jewelry using footage taken from the jewelry store’s security cameras. Jenkins later admitted that he purchased the Mastercard on the Dark Web for approximately $15.00. If convicted, Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Fifth Venezuelan Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to U.s. JurisdictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Carlos Rodriguez Garcia, 26, one of eleven Venezuelan nationals apprehended at sea off the coast of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before U.S. 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. The sentencing date for Garcia is scheduled for October 19, 2022. For his conviction, Garcia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named La Gran Tormenta displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Crew members from the USCG Cutter Donald Horsley subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick-shaped objects which were subsequently laboratory tested and found to contain approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride.
After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from the Venezuela, the flag state, USCG personnel attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective because crew on the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Eventually, USCG personnel obtained control of the La Gran Tormenta through use of an entanglement tactic which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including the defendants.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Venezuelans Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to U.s. JurisdictionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Henry Gonzalez Noriega, 47, and Francisco Rodriguez Infante, 28, both of Venezuela, pleaded guilty today before District Court Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted a suspicious 55-foot vessel named La Gran Tormenta displaying Venezuelan nationality indicia approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. Occupants of the La Gran Tormenta failed to respond to USCG’s efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, the La Gran Tormenta changed course and began jettisoning packages. Crew members from the USCG Cutter Donald Horsley subsequently retrieved two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick-shaped objects which were subsequently laboratory tested and found to contain approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride.
After requesting and receiving permission to stop the vessel from the Venezuela, the flag state, USCG personnel attempted a right-of-visit boarding which was ineffective because crew on the La Gran Tormenta disregarded the USCG’s instructions. Eventually, USCG personnel obtained control of the La Gran Tormenta through use of an entanglement tactic which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team later encountered 11 persons, including the defendants.
The sentencing date for Noriega and Infante is scheduled for October 14, 2022. For their convictions, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Marijuana PossessionRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Cynthia Ines Fernandes, 33, of Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III to Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. Fernandes faces a maximum sentence of five 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, Fernandes traveled from Charlotte, NC to St. Croix on a commercial flight on November 6, 2021. In her checked bags, Customs and Border Protection agents discovered 13 individually wrapped, vacuum sealed packages with approximately 11 kilograms of marijuana.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
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University of the Virgin Islands Employee Arrested on Tennessee Sexual Assault WarrantRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Bridges Randle, 47, of Memphis, TN, appeared before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for an initial appearance on a warrant issued by the Western District of Tennessee. The warrant stems from a federal indictment which charges Randle with committing a civil rights offense that included aggravated sexual abuse. A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
According to court records, Randle, who is also known as "Ajamu Abiola Banjoko" and "Oluwafemi Abiola Banjoko", is charged with sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty as a police officer with the Memphis Police Department. According to the indictment, Randle sexually assaulted the woman after he was dispatched to a vandalism call at her residence on June 24, 2000. Randle was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents as he was on his way to work at the University of the Virgin Islands this morning. If convicted, Randle faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Memphis Field Office and is being prosecuted by the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
U.s. Attorney Encourages the Public to Observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2022Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith encourages the public to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2022, and help combat elder fraud and abuse.
"If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused or defrauded, I strongly encourage you to call the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") National Elder Fraud Hotline," United States Attorney Smith said. "Unfortunately, too many of our older Virgin Islanders are becoming victims of the many forms of abuse, neglect, and financial fraud and scams that target the elderly."
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. It provides communities an opportunity to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, financial, psychological, or sexual and can include exploitation, mistreatment, and neglect.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting and coordinating enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder fraud and abuse, including working with our local law enforcement and community partners, United States Attorney Smith said. DOJ’s hotline, which is managed by the Office of Victims of Crime, is staffed by caring professionals who treat all callers with dignity and respect. Callers will be assigned a case manager, who will remain their point of contact, and will assist with reporting the crime and connecting victims with other resources as needed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, please call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time. Services are available for speakers of English, Spanish, and other languages. You may also report suspected elder fraud by calling the local FBI office at (340) 777-3363.
Jamaican National Charged with Illegal Re-Entry by an Aggravated FelonRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Veron Venita Goulbourne, 60, a Jamaican national, has been charged with being present in the United States after removal and conviction for an aggravated felony. If convicted, Goulbourne faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to court documents, Goulbourne was previously removed from the United States in March 2000, after she was convicted of an aggravated felony. Court documents further show that on April 24, 2022, Goulbourne was a ticketed passenger on a flight from St. Thomas to Miami, FL. When Goulbourne presented herself at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection primary inspection point at Cyril E. King Airport, officers determined that she had no legal status in the United States having been previously removed.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper is prosecuting the case. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer Charged with Cocaine Possession at Henry E. Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Wayne Jeffers, 52, of St. Croix, appeared today before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III for an initial appearance stemming from his May 20, 2022, arrest on charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Jeffers faces a minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million if convicted.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 11, 2022, Jeffers, a Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, placed a suitcase containing twelve (12) brick-shaped objects onto the driver’s side floor of a ladder truck on the ramp of the airport. The suitcase was seized later that morning and the brick-shaped objects tested positive for cocaine. The approximate weight of the cocaine is 12.6 kilograms.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer Charged with Cocaine Possession at Henry E. Rohlsen AirportRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Wayne Jeffers, 52, of St. Croix, appeared today before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III for an initial appearance stemming from his May 20, 2022, arrest on charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Jeffers faces a minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million if convicted.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 11, 2022, Jeffers, a Virgin Islands Port Authority Officer at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, placed a suitcase containing twelve (12) brick-shaped objects onto the driver’s side floor of a ladder truck on the ramp of the airport. The suitcase was seized later that morning and the brick-shaped objects tested positive for cocaine. The approximate weight of the cocaine is 12.6 kilograms.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
St. Croix Man Charged with Possession of an Unlicensed FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that an Information was filed charging Rionel Allembert, 21, of St. Croix, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of a firearm with a school zone. If convicted, Allembert faces up to five years in prison.
According to court documents, on September 28, 2021, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department located a Taurus 9mm handgun in a ditch at #21 Anna’s Hope, St. Croix. DNA testing later revealed the presence of Allembert’s DNA on the firearm. Allembert did not have a license to possess the firearm which was located approximately 290 feet from the Church of God of Holiness Academy, a preschool.
This case is being investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force are investigating, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
St. Croix Man Charged with Possession of an Unlicensed FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that an Information was filed charging Rionel Allembert, 21, of St. Croix, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of a firearm with a school zone. If convicted, Allembert faces up to five years in prison.
According to court documents, on September 28, 2021, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department located a Taurus 9mm handgun in a ditch at #21 Anna’s Hope, St. Croix. DNA testing later revealed the presence of Allembert’s DNA on the firearm. Allembert did not have a license to possess the firearm which was located approximately 290 feet from the Church of God of Holiness Academy, a preschool.
This case is being investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Houston Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that on May 16, 2022, Marvelous Eghage, 39, of Houston, TX, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller.
According to court documents, between February 26, 2018, and March 13, 2018, Eghage devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses and promises directed to third parties. Through her fraudulent scheme, Eghage diverted funds from her victims to a bank account under her controlled by way of electronic wires and later withdrew or transferred the funds for her own personal benefit and the benefit of others.
Specifically, court documents show that on February 26, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator electronically transferred $25,400.00 to an account under Eghage’s control. These funds were fraudulently acquired through forged checks from the account of R.B.R. On March 6, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator, fraudulently induced a representative of Colombia-based FDN to electronically transfer $34,965.00 to a Houston, TX bank account under Eghage’s control. On March 7, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator fraudulently induced N.D. to electronically transfer approximately $48,000.00 to a Houston, TX bank account controlled by Eghage. On March 8, 2018, Eghage fraudulently induced M.R. to transfer money to a bank account under her control. Lastly, on March 9, 2018, Eghage and a coconspirator fraudulently induced a representative of a law firm based in St. Thomas, VI, to electronically transfer approximately $108,637.00 to a Houston, TX bank account under Eghage’s control. Eghage used email communications to induce her victims into her fraudulent scheme. Eghage faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
U.s. Attorney Delia L. Smith Recognizes Police Week in the U.s. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal and local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11, 2022, through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
"This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country," said Attorney General Garland. "We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community."
"Our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day," U.S. Attorney Smith said. It is only fitting that we take time to recognize and thank them for dedicating their lives to keeping us safe." U.S. Attorney Smith encourages the public to show their appreciation and support for law enforcement by participating in the Police Week events, including the Virgin Islands Police Department Law Enforcement Day Parade on St. Thomas on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., beginning at the Emile Griffith Park and ending at the Richard Callwood Command "Zone A."
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Beginning in 1963, 14 officers have died in the line of duty in the District of the Virgin Islands.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks (1) were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/ TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.
1 An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Native of Dominican Republic Convicted for Making Materially False Statements to Government Agents at the Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that after a two-day jury trial, Luis Miguel Lopez, a 28-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic, was convicted of making a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. Following Lopez’s conviction, District Court Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy ordered that Lopez be taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 11, 2022, Lopez presented himself to Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") officers at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. There, he handed the CBP officers what purported to be a Puerto Rico driver’s license bearing the name of another individual. Lopez told officers he was a United States citizen born in Puerto Rico. Lopez filled out a Customs form using the same false name seen on the Puerto Rico driver’s license. An inspection of Lopez’s baggage revealed that he also possessed a Social Security card and birth certificate bearing the false name. Record checks conducted by CBP Officers revealed that the driver’s license and Social Security numbers Lopez was using were issued to other individuals. Further, expert testimony presented at trial confirmed that all the documents Lopez used and possessed were counterfeit.
Making a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Chief Judge Molloy set Lopez’s sentencing hearing for September 2, 2022.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Jill Koster.
The Department of Justice and Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney Announce National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS, USVI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 24-30, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands, recognizes crime victims and those individuals, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and faith-based institutions that have dedicated themselves to serve and assist victims of crime.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice (DOJ) 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 Justice Department organizes events to honor crime victims and advocates, as well as to bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 24-30, with the theme: Rights, access, equity, for all victims. This theme underscores the importance of helping crime survivors find justice by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.
“Recognizing the rights of victims and providing services to victims of crime is an integral part of the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” U.S. Attorney Shappert said. “We work with our law enforcement and community partners to seek justice, obtain restitution, and identify additional resources necessary to compensate those who suffer the consequences of crime.”
The U.S Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and right of victims of crime.
The District of the U.S. Virgin Islands has a dedicated Victim Witness Coordinator who supports federal crime victims across the district. The U.S. Attorney’s Office staff notifies victims of significant case events through the DOJ Victim Notification System (VNS). Through VNS, victims learn of upcoming court proceedings and the outcome of these proceedings. VNS enables victims to participate in court proceedings and make their voices heard.
In calendar year 2021, the Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office staff provided more than 1,000 notices to crime victims. In addition to notification, the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands Victim Witness Coordinator provides essential services to victims, such as making referrals for counseling, securing temporary housing, assisting with access to victim compensation funds, and accompanying victims to court to provide support and guidance during the proceedings. These services provide tools for victims 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 America 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].
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Former Olympic Boxer Convicted by Federal Jury for Producing Child Pornography, Transporting Minors for Criminal Sexual Conduct, and other Sex Related CrimesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that John Jackson, a 33-year-old resident of St. Thomas, was convicted on Friday of four federal and two local criminal charges following a six-day jury trial.
Jackson was convicted of producing child pornography, three counts of transportation of a minor for criminal sexual conduct, first degree rape, and aggravated second degree rape. The jury heard testimony from three victims detailing how Jackson picked them up from high school and other locations and then transported them to various places on St. Thomas to engage in criminal sex acts. Each of the three victims was a juvenile when the sexual activity occurred.
On one occasion, Jackson video-recorded himself having sexual intercourse with the victim Jane Doe 1, who had just turned fifteen years old. Jackson used the victim’s cell phone to make the recording.
According to trial testimony, Jackson provided the three victims with money, jewelry, and marijuana. In a videotaped confession shown to the jury, Jackson acknowledged that he engaged in sexual relations with Jane Doe Number 1, who was only 15 years old at the time.
Jury selection for the trial began on April 11, 2022. The trial of the matter commenced on April 19, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Shappert commended citizens in the community and law enforcement for taking the allegations of the three victims seriously. "We are grateful for the initiative of the adults in these young women’s lives who brought John Jackson’s criminal actions to the attention of law enforcement. We are also grateful for the courage of the three young women who testified about their suffering at the hands of the defendant."
Jackson, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in February of 2019, competed in the 2008 Olympics.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Rainwater, and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Natasha Baker.
Chief District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy set sentencing for August 25, 2022. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for production of child pornography.
A federal district court judge will determine the defendant’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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Virgin Islands Assistant United States Attorney Receives Prestigious Attorney General's AwardRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper has been awarded an Attorney General’s Award by the United States Department of Justice for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee. "The Annual Attorney General’s Awards recognize Department of Justice employees for their extraordinary contributions to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice," U.S. Attorney Shappert said. "AUSA Sleeper joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the fall of 2019 and currently serves as the Appellate Chief for the office. In addition to his responsibilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, AUSA Sleeper supports our colleagues in the Eastern District of Oklahoma by handling appeals from that district as needed. He has also provided exceptional assistance to attorneys here in the Territory and across the United States."
Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, AUSA Sleeper clerked for a federal judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and for U.S. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez in the District of the Virgin Islands. He is a graduate of Cornell Law School and of Connecticut College.
More information regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi.
Previously Removed Dominican Republic Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that Reynaldo Mejia-Mejia, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty yesterday in District Court before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon, Jr. to illegally reentering the United States.
According to court documents, Reynaldo Mejia-Mejia, age 33, presented himself to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for inspection to board a Spirit airlines flight from St. Croix, USVI to Fort Lauderdale, FL on March 23, 2022. He displayed a Washington State driver’s license in the name of another individual with a photo of his likeness as proof of identification to travel.
During questioning at the primary inspection, Mejia stated that he was born in Puerto Rico; however, the CBP officer noticed that Mejia’s accent sounded distinctive to the Dominican Republic. A subsequent fingerprint check positively identified Mr. Mejia-Mejia, and record checks revealed that he was previously deported by immigration officials in 2018 and 2019 from the United States to the Dominican Republic. CBP officers determined that Mejia-Mejia is not a citizen or national of the United States. Reynaldo Mejia-Mejia is in fact a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic, and he was not in possession of the required legal documents to be present or to enter the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz is prosecuting the case. Mejia-Mejia is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2022, and he faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Two Vieques Residents Plead Guilty to Concealing over One Million Dollars in Cash on a Vessel Outfitted for Smuggling in USVI WatersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Julius Alvarez-Gonzalez and Jimmy Garcia-Quinonez, of Vieques, PR, each entered guilty pleas to the charge of concealing over one million dollars in cash on a vessel outfitted for smuggling, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine (AMO) agents stopped a vessel traveling without navigational lights, heading toward the western portion of St. Thomas, USVI. Prior to boarding, agents observed the defendants onboard the vessel. When the defendants saw the agents, they threw a large duffel bag overboard. Agents subsequently recovered and searched the duffel bag, which contained over one million dollars in US currency.
The boat captain, Defendant Alvarez, faces 33 months incarceration and Defendant Garcia faces 30 months incarceration. Both Defendants face a maximum fine of up to $250,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This prosecution 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.
Colombian National Apprehended at the St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Sentenced to Federal Prison After Falsely Representing to be a Citizen of the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Andres Bejarano, age 34, a Colombian national, appeared before District Court Judge Wilma A Lewis and was sentenced today on the charge of Falsely Representing to be a Citizen of the United States.
Judge Lewis sentenced Bejarano to 6 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on December 8, 2021, at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, Bejarano presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for inspection to board a flight from St. Croix to Florida with a Florida driver's license. It was later determined that this license belonged to his brother, Daniel Bejarano. When questioned, Bejarano falsely claimed to be a U.S. Citizen. He subsequently admitted that he was using his brother's ID because he was aware that he had an active warrant for his arrest. In fact, Bejarano had four (4) active outstanding warrants for failure to appear on various drug offenses in Florida.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston prosecuted the case.