District of the Virgin Islands
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Jury Convicts Puerto Rican Man of Trafficking 65 Kilograms of Cocaine During Boat Chase West of Savanah IslandRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that a federal jury convicted Jean Carlos Torres Cruz, of Puerto Rico, for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance pursuant to 21 U.S.C §§ 841(b)(1)(A) and 846. After a two-day trial, the defendant was convicted as charged. The defendant faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months imprisonment and up to life in prison. The Chief District Court Judge, Robert A. Molloy, will schedule a sentencing hearing to determine the sentence to be imposed.
According to court documents and testimony presented at trial, on July 21, 2025, the defendant was stopped while a passenger on a boat in the waters near Savanah Island, just west of St. Thomas, USVI. At approximately 3:00 a.m., U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine (AMO) detected a vessel operating without navigation lights traveling towards St. Thomas, USVI from Culebra, PR. AMO-St. Thomas launched a vessel to investigate and located the lights-out vessel west of Savanah Island heading towards Culebra, PR. The vessel fled from the AMO vessel while the defendant threw bags overboard. The vessel stopped after AMO agents fired warnings flares in front of the fleeing boat. Once the boat was stopped, and the defendant and another male were arrested, AMO agents searched the area and recovered two duffle bags that the defendant threw overboard. The duffel bags contained 65 packages. A Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory analyst confirmed that the 65 packages contained approximately 65 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated jointly by the AMO and the DEA. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney, Erik Tate and Criminal Chief Kyle Payne.St. Thomas Man Arrested for Marijuana Grow OperationRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced that Kenneth Turbe, age 42, was arrested on, July 23, 2026, in St. Thomas, USVI on criminal charges related to a marijuana grow operation on his property. Turbe is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance pursuant to 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.
According to court documents, Turbe was arrested after agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained search warrants for Turbe’s iCloud account and residence. The iCloud account contained photos of vacuum sealed bags of marijuana, marijuana plants, large black planter pots containing marijuana plants, and bags of marijuana inside a safe.
Following Turbe’s arrest, DEA agents seized over 100 suspected marijuana plants, including 40 recently harvested plants.
The DEA is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik C. Tate of the Unites States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Men Sentenced for Bringing over 70 kilograms of Marijuana to St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that James King, Masaca Creque, Dwayne Blash, and Harry Davis were sentenced this week for their roles in bringing a large amount of marijuana to St. Thomas in their checked suitcases through the Cyril E. King airport.
On July 8, 2026, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced James King, 46, of St. Thomas, to 18 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The same day, Judge Molloy sentenced Masaca Creque, 41, of St. Thomas, to 37 months incarceration with 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
On July 9, 2026, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Dwyane Blash, 42, of St. Thomas, to 15 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
The same day, Judge Molloy sentenced Harry Daivs, 29, of Atlanta, GA, to 22 months incarceration with 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court documents, on November 27, 2025, King, Creque, Blash and Davis arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas after arriving on a flight from San Franciso, CA. A routine search of passenger luggage revealed what law enforcement believed to be narcotics within several suitcases. The four men were identified as owners of the luggage and escorted to the Customs and Border Protection offices for further inspection. Once searched, officers found over 70 kilograms of marijuana in the group’s checked suitcases.
This case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cherrisse Amaro, Erik Tate and Criminal Chief Kyle Payne.Romanian Man Sentenced to 15 months Imprisonment for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper of the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Beni Lacatusu, aka Beni Aleman, aka Beni Burcea, 34, of Romania, was sentenced on June 25, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 15 months imprisonment for illegally entering the United States after having been previously removed.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2025, Lacatusu was encountered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents near the Nisky Center in St. Thomas, VI. Agents stopped the defendant and another male, introduced themselves as “Immigration,” and asked the men about their nationality. Lacatusu stated that he was Romanian and did not have status to be in the United States legally. Lacatusu was taken to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office where he was confirmed to be a Romanian citizen without legal status to be present in the United States.
While performing routine records checks to confirm the identity of Lacatusu, agents discovered that Lacatusu had previously been deported twice on June 21, 2019, and July 4, 2025, from New York, New York. Further record checks revealed that Lacatusu was convicted of felony offenses of credit card theft and fraud in Freehold, New Jersey on April 17, 2025, and had five outstanding warrants spanning four states. He was also convicted of Illegal Re-entry, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326, on June 6, 2025, in the District of New Jersey, and received a sentence of time served.
The case was investigated by HSI. It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.St. Croix Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Discharging a Firearm in a Local RestaurantRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper of the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Terrell E. Johnson, 31, of St. Croix was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 10 years imprisonment for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence while inside the Cruzian Bayou Bistro Restaurant, located in the King’s Alley Walk in Christiansted.
According to court documents, Johnson, 31, entered the restaurant on February 10, 2024, and sat at the bar. When Johnson began to roll a marijuana cigarette, Johnson was told that smoking in the restaurant was prohibited. Johnson became irate and was asked for a second time to stop rolling the marijuana cigarette.
When told to leave the establishment, Johnson retrieved a Glock .40 caliber firearm from his black fanny pack and threatened to shoot one of the owners of the restaurant. Johnson continued to make threats and ultimately fired the gun into the air. As Johnson walked away from the establishment, he fired three additional shots.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department.
It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne and Assistant United States Attorney Martin Forrest IV of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
###BVI Citizen Arrested for Illegal Reentry into the United States and Possessing Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Bruce Wheatley, a British citizen from Tortola, was arrested for possession and distribution of child exploitation material and illegal reentry into the United States. On June 29, 2026, Wheatley, 19, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague for an initial.
According to court documents, on Friday, June 26, 2026, Wheatley was identified by Federal Agents in Havensight, St. Thomas, USVI. Agents identified Wheatley as a subject who had previously been deported from the United States in May of 2026 and banned from returning to the United States for a period of five years. Wheatley was detained pending arrest for illegal reentry.
During a search of Wheatley’s cellular phone, agents found sexually explicit content that depicted what appeared to be a minor and adult engaged in a sexual act.
Wheatley was detained pending further court proceedings. Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) is investigating the case. Attorney Natasha L. Baker of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.Mexican National Sentenced After Transporting 1,295 kilograms of Cocaine on Board a Vessel Subject to U.S. JurisdictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that one of three Mexican nationals, Francisco Hernandez Penaloza, 65, was sentenced on Friday, June 12, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 46 months’ imprisonment for his role in conspiring to transport and possess with intent to distribute approximately 1,295 kilograms of cocaine on board a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
According to court documents, on September 5, 2024, during a routine patrol in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, a Royal Canadian Naval ship, the HMCS Yellowknife, intercepted a go-fast vessel after it was sighted approximately 427 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. A United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment was aboard the HMCS Yellowknife. The go-fast vessel was dead in the water, floating adrift with bales and large fuel barrels visible on its deck. It displayed no indicia of nationality with no flag flown.
The USCG Detachment conducted a right of visit boarding on the vessel as it was suspected of illicit maritime activity. Three people were encountered on board the vessel, including the defendant. A search of the vessel revealed 35 bales consistent with the packaging and transport of a large quantity of narcotics. The three people on board were detained. The bales were removed, and the vessel was sunk due to the damage to the hull. The packages inside the bales were tested by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory, which confirmed that the bales contained a total of 1,295 kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.Romanian National Sentenced for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper of the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Puiu Lacatus, 37, of Romania, was sentenced on Friday, June 12, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to time served—after having been detained for six months and one day—for illegally entering the United States after having been previously removed.
According to court documents, on December 11, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents received a tip regarding a group of illegal immigrants staying at a residence in Estate Contant. HSI agents responded to the residence in Contant to conduct surveillance and observed the defendant leave and walk towards Nisky Center. Federal agents announced themselves as “Immigration” and inquired into his nationality and whether he had status to be in the United States legally. The defendant stated that he was Romanian and did not have status to be in the United States. Agents performed further records checks that revealed that the defendant had previously been deported twice.
Agents confirmed with the Department of Homeland Security that there was no record found indicating that the defendant obtained consent from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to return to the United States, and that he was a citizen of Romania.
The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Kyle Payne of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Former Director of the Office of Management and Budget Sentenced to 84 Months for Public Corruption Offenses Involving Covid-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Jenifer O’Neal, former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to 84 months’ imprisonment for her role in a public corruption scheme involving the misuse of federal COVID-19 relief funds.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, O’Neal was sentenced to three years of supervised release; a $50,000 fine; restitution in the amount of $34,345.39, jointly and severally with co-defendant Ray Martinez; forfeiture in the amount of $17,730; and $400 in special assessments. Judge Kearney ordered O’Neal to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on June 23, 2026. Pending her surrender, O’Neal will be placed on home detention.
On December 11, 2025, following a jury trial, O’Neal was convicted of two counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy. The evidence at trial established that O’Neal used her position as Director of OMB to facilitate the approval and payment of a government invoice that had been intentionally inflated by $70,000. She accepted $17,730 derived from the inflated invoice to satisfy lease obligations associated with her coffee shop, Java Grande. The inflated invoice was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal program intended to assist the Virgin Islands in recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Neal also accepted luxury gifts from government contractor David Whitaker, in exchange for the expedited payment of government contract invoices.
Co-defendant Ray Martinez, the former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department, was previously sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for his role in the scheme.
“Corruption cannot be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Government officials, especially those directly responsible for government finances, have a duty to safeguard the funds entrusted to them for the benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands. This sentence provides accountability and serves as a warning for those who would betray that duty.”
“Public corruption erodes confidence in government and weakens the community’s faith in the institutions meant to protect it,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Imposing consequences on corrupt public officials, is vital to rebuilding public trust and is a testament to the FBI’s commitment safeguarding the integrity of public institutions.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department and Former Management and Budget Director Sentenced for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Ray Martinez, the former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O’Neal, the former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), were sentenced this week for their roles in a procurement fraud, bribery, and money laundering scheme. Martinez was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release, and O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in prison.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Martinez accepted nearly $100,000 in bribe payments from a government contractor, David Whitaker, who gave Martinez cash and payment for luxury travel, personal expenses, private-school tuition, and restaurant equipment. In exchange for these payments, Martinez used his official authority to approve invoices submitted by Whitaker and also awarded Whitaker’s company a $1.4 million dollar contract funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. O’Neal, who served as the territory’s chief budget official, knowingly approved a $70,000 inflated invoice under that same contract and later accepted a $17,730 lease payment for her business, Java Grande, using federal funds from the inflated invoice.
The evidence also showed that, after learning of the federal investigation, Martinez attempted to obstruct justice by directing Whitaker to destroy evidence and by creating a fraudulent promissory note in an attempt to conceal the bribes.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris of the FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro for the District of the Virgin Islands prosecuted the case.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Mario Felix, 36, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on June 9, 2026, to the federal charge of causing the attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, On December 31, 2022, a package was randomly selected for inspection during inbound examination of USPS mail. The box was opened by federal officers who found a book inside containing several plastic bags containing a total of 800 blue pills. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysist tested and confirmed that the pills contained 88.67 grams of fentanyl. The defendant’s fingerprints were found on the plastic bag containing the book.
Text messages discovered during the investigation between the defendant and an individual revealed that the defendant asked for the individual’s mailing address and last name. When the individual asked what he was sending, the defendant sent a picture of the book containing the fentanyl pills, stating that there was something inside the book. He told the individual that he was going to give the individual $800 once the individual received the package.
The charge of causing the attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum term of five years and a maximum term of 40 years of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.Former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Public Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a public corruption scheme involving bribery, honest services wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Kearney ordered Martinez to serve three years of supervised release. The Court also entered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $127,870.34; ordered restitution totaling $77,257.39; imposed a $5,000 fine; and ordered the payment of $900 in special assessments.
Following a jury trial, Martinez was convicted of five counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, and two counts of Obstruction of Justice. Evidence presented at trial established that Martinez abused his position as VIPD Commissioner by accepting numerous bribes from government contractor David Whitaker in exchange for official actions benefiting Whitaker and his business. The bribes included luxury travel, hotel accommodations, school tuition payments, rent payments, restaurant-related expenses, and other personal benefits.
The evidence further established that Martinez approved and facilitated government payments to Whitaker’s company, Mon Ethos, including inflated invoices funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The scheme generated more than $1 million in government payments to Mon Ethos and resulted in substantial personal benefits to Martinez. The jury also found that Martinez obstructed the federal investigation by attempting to conceal the bribery scheme, directing efforts to destroy or transfer evidence, and creating a false promissory note that was later produced in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
“Corruption is inexcusable,” said United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Public officials—especially law enforcement—have a duty to protect the people they serve. This sentence provides accountability and serves as a warning for those who would betray the public trust.”
“This case demonstrates the strong partnership between the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in combating public corruption,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “No public official is above the law, and today’s sentencing reinforces our
shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of government institutions to the benefit of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Alleged Conspirators Arrested for Running St. Thomas Strip Club as Prostitution Ring and Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
U.S. law enforcement arrested three members of an alleged conspiracy running a prostitution ring and harboring illegal aliens in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. A federal judge in the District of the Virgin Islands issued a criminal complaint and authorized arrest warrants charging Hussein Jamil, also known as Hussian Jamil Suarez, also known as Tony, 56; Magda Castro Santos also known as Tatiana, 39; and Julio Hidaldo De Pena 65; all of St. Thomas, USVI, for their alleged respective roles in a variety of criminal activities centered around an establishment known as Tootsys Gentlemen’s Club (Tootsys).
According to court documents, Jamil owns and operates Tootsys, a strip club in St. Thomas, USVI, which he, Castro Santos, and Hidaldo De Pena are alleged to have operated as a brothel. The alleged conspirators advertised Tootsys over Instagram and other platforms to recruit women to work at the club. They are alleged to have hired both U.S. citizens and illegal aliens as dancers and sex workers. Jamil is alleged to have paid for U.S. citizens to fly from elsewhere within the United States to St. Thomas and financed smuggling operations for aliens to illegally enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most of the dancers working at Tootsys lived in a house on St. Thomas rented by Jamil. Hidaldo De Pena transported the dancers from the rental house to Tootsys and back for their shifts. Castro Santos managed the dancers while at Tootsys, ensuring they paid their required fees, directing clients to the dancers, and collecting payments for private dances and commercial sex, among other managerial acts. When dancers arrived on St. Thomas for the purpose of working at Tootsys, the alleged conspirators’ coercive fee scheme pushed the dancers to make more money by engaging in commercial sex, both at Tootsys and through customers “buying out” dancers to take them to an offsite premises.
Jamil, Castro Santo, and Hildaldo de Pena are each charged with conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and conspiracy to harbor aliens for financial gain. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution and conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises and 10 years in prison for conspiracy to harbor aliens for financial gain.
Federal Takedown of TootsysAssistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the Virgin Islands, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jessica Arco and Clayton O’Connor of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Baker and Cherrisse Woods for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
The investigation and charges are also supported and prosecuted by JTFA, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; more than 350 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alleged Conspirators Arrested for Running St. Thomas Strip Club as Prostitution Ring and Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper announced today that U.S. law enforcement arrested three members of an alleged conspiracy running a prostitution ring and harboring illegal aliens in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. A federal judge in the District of the Virgin Islands issued a criminal complaint and authorized arrest warrants charging Hussein Jamil, a.k.a. Hussian Jamil Suarez, a.k.a. “Tony,” 56, of St. Thomas, USVI; Magda Castro Santos a.k.a. “Tatiana,” 39, of St. Thomas, USVI; and Julio Hidaldo De Pena 65, of St. Thomas, USVI, for their alleged respective roles in a variety of criminal activities centered around an establishment known as Tootsys Gentlemen’s Club (“Tootsys”).
According to court documents, Jamil owns and operates Tootsys, a strip club in St. Thomas, USVI, which he, Castro Santos, and Hidaldo De Pena are alleged to have operated as a brothel. The alleged conspirators advertised Tootsys over Instagram and other platforms to recruit women to work at the club. They are alleged to have hired both U.S. citizens and illegal aliens as dancers and sex workers. Jamil is alleged to have paid for U.S. citizens to fly from elsewhere within the United States to St. Thomas and financed smuggling operations for aliens to illegally enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most of the dancers working at Tootsys lived in a house on St. Thomas rented by Jamil. Hidaldo De Pena transported the dancers from the rental house to Tootsys and back for their shifts. Castro Santos managed the dancers while at Tootsys, ensuring they paid their required fees, directing clients to the dancers, and collecting payments for private dances and commercial sex, among other managerial acts. When dancers arrived on St. Thomas for the purpose of working at Tootsys, the alleged conspirators’ coercive fee scheme pushed the dancers to make more money by engaging in commercial sex, both at Tootsys and through customers “buying out” dancers to take them to an offsite premises.
Jamil, Castro Santo, and Hildaldo de Pena are each charged with Conspiracy to Transport for Purpose of Prostitution, Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and Conspiracy to Harbor Aliens for Financial Gain. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for Conspiracy to Transport for Purpose of Prostitution and Conspiracy to Commit Interstate and Foreign Travel or Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises and 10 years in prison for Conspiracy to Harbor Aliens for Financial Gain. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Baker and Cherrisse Woods for the District of the Virgin Islands and Trial Attorneys Jessica Arco and Clayton O’Connor of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by JTFA, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 400 U.S. convictions; more than 350 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
These arrests are also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA,
FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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St. Croix Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Jahmar Frederick, 32, of St. Croix, was sentenced yesterday by visiting District Court Judge Timothy Savage to 24 months of imprisonment for being in possession of a firearm as a felon. Frederick was also placed on three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2024, a Virgin Islands Police Department officer observed a Ford F-150 pickup truck with no license plate in the vicinity of the Frontline Bar and Grill. The F-150 fled from the officer before ultimately losing control and sliding off the roadway. The driver, later identified as Jahmar Frederick, pulled a ski mask over his face then continued to flee on foot, before falling and being apprehended. When apprehended, Frederick had a fanny pack over his chest that contained a black Glock model 22 Gen4 .40 caliber firearm with a 30-round magazine that contained 18 rounds of ammunition with one round chambered.
Frederick is a convicted felon with three prior convictions. In 2018, he was convicted of forgery, and for failing to report firearms obtained outside or brought into the Virgin Islands, and in 2023 he was convicted of obtaining money by false pretenses.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas Airport Employee Arrested for Possessing Three Kilograms of Cocaine at the Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Aslyn Thomas, 45, of St. Thomas, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on April 8, 2026, Thomas arrived at the Cyril E. King to report for work as a ramp agent. As part of routine security procedures, Thomas was inspected by security personnel at the entrance. When his backpack was inspected, security personnel observed three bricklike
plastic bundles that they deemed suspicious. Virgin Islands Port Authority officers arrived and utilized a K-9 unit which alerted to the presence of narcotics. U.S. Customs and Border Protection was then brought to the scene, and it was discovered that the three bundles weighing over 7 pounds tested
positive for cocaine.U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Erik Tate is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Arrested at the Cyril E. King Airport with 28 kilograms of Marijuana in His LuggageRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Davaunte Butler, of Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested for bringing two suitcases of marijuana into St. Thomas.
According to court documents, on April 8, 2026, at the Cyril E. King airport U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered Butler’s luggage during a routine inspection of a flight arriving from Atlanta, Georgia. The luggage was then placed on the baggage claim conveyor belt for retrieval. CBP officers then observed Butler retrieve the bags, at which time Butler and the bags were taken into custody. The luggage contained 28 kilograms (61 pounds) of marijuana.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Erik Tate is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 16 months for Assaulting a U.S. Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Omarion Webbe, 23, of St. Croix, was sentenced on April 6, 2026, by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy for assaulting a U.S. postal carrier. He was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on or about October 15, 2024, postal employee L.L., dressed in her United States postal employee letter carrier uniform, was delivering mail at Harbor View Apartments. She saw a young man near her postal van. She had seen the same young man before on October 11th when she was delivering mail at Sugar Beach Condominiums. He said something to her, but she could not hear. She also saw him a short time later at Club St. Croix Condominiums when she was delivering the mail.
After leaving Harbor View Apartments, L.L. went to Carib Villas and began delivering mail. She saw the same young man. The young man, later identified as the defendant, made a sexual comment to her. L.L. ignored him but was able to take a picture of the defendant with her phone. L.L. continued her route to Sugar Beach and saw the defendant as she was leaving. When L.L. arrived at Club St. Croix and began delivering mail, the defendant suddenly appeared from around a corner. He approached L.L. and was within a couple feet of her when he made another sexual comment to her. L.L. told him to back off, and the defendant hit her hard on the left side of her buttocks. She screamed and tried to back up. Two maintenance workers came to her aid, but the defendant had already left, jumping over a concrete wall.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas Pastor Arrested on Federal and Local Sex Offenses Involving MinorRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on April 1, 2026, a St. Thomas man was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to court documents, Lawrence Turnbull, 65, of Estate Mandahl, was the minor’s pastor and youth leader. On multiple occasions, he transported the minor to different locations and touched the minor inappropriately.
Turnbull is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, coercion and enticement, unlawful sexual contact, and child abuse. If convicted, Turnbull faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry is prosecuting the case.
An information is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Executive Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Fraud, Conflict of Interest, False Statements, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson was sentenced today to 36 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney following his convictions for criminal conflict of interest, bank fraud, making false statements to a federal agent, making false statements on a loan and credit application, and money laundering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Richardson used his position as a senior executive at VIHFA to engage in a series of fraudulent and self-dealing transactions for his personal financial gain. While serving as Chief Operating Officer, Richardson participated in the award of a multi-million-dollar contract to a company whose owner later provided him with $107,000 under the guise of a business investment. Richardson failed to disclose this financial relationship in a timely or truthful manner and continued to take official actions affecting that company, including approving payments under the contract.
The evidence further established that Richardson used those funds—along with additional money obtained through a fraudulently secured construction loan—to purchase a property in the Fortuna area of St. Thomas through a United States Marshals Service auction. Rather than using the funds for their stated purpose, Richardson diverted the money to finance his personal real estate venture.
The evidence also showed that Richardson made materially false statements to federal investigators in order to conceal the true nature of his financial dealings. In addition, he defrauded a financial institution by submitting fraudulent documents in support of a construction loan application, including an estimate that he falsely represented as having been prepared by a licensed contractor. After obtaining the loan, Richardson further misrepresented how the funds would be used.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro and former Assistant United States Attorney Dan Huston.
St. Thomas Jury Finds BVI Man Guilty of Possession of a Counterfeit Permanent Resident CardRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on February 25, 2026, a federal jury convicted Nigel Cooper, 52, of the British Virgin Islands, for possession of a counterfeit alien registration card, also known as a “permanent resident card.” District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney presided over the trial.
During trial, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer testified that on October 30, 2025, Cooper presented himself for inspection at the Cruz Bay, St. John, CBP office. Cooper presented a valid BVI passport for entry into the United States. However, upon further inspection, CBP officers found a permanent resident card in his wallet. Evidence presented at trial further revealed that the card, which bore Cooper’s name and photograph, had an identifying number registered to a female Chinese national. Records checks revealed no record of Cooper having applied for a permanent resident card in the United States, and none was issued to him. An expert witness in forensic document analysis testified that the card was counterfeit. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, during an interview of the defendant, CBP officers learned that the defendant purchased the permanent resident card from a Missouri store during the summer of 2025.
The conviction carries up to a ten-year sentence of imprisonment. The District Court will schedule a sentencing hearing to determine the defendant’s sentence. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Denise N. George of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Tristin Carr, 21, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on February 13, 2026, to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on or about Thursday, October 9, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers performed an inspection on American Airlines flight 2211 from Miami, Florida to St. Croix. During the inspection, all checked bags from the flight were X-rayed to check for anomalies. Anomalies were detected with respect to checked bags that bore baggage tags with the defendant’s name. According to the baggage tags, the bags were checked at Tampa International Airport and were destined for Henry Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, via Miami. CBP placed the bags on the carousel and monitored to see who would retrieve them. The defendant retrieved the luggage, and CBP escorted him into the secondary inspection area. A physical search of the luggage revealed bundles containing a green leafy substance wrapped in vacuum-sealed bags. The substance tested positive for marijuana with a total weight of approximately 6.14 kilograms. The defendant agreed that the amount of marijuana was inconsistent with personal use and was indicative of an intent to distribute.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.- Jamaican Nationals Convicted of Maritime Drug Trafficking Offenses Following Federal Jury Trial
Former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Sentenced for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A former Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (SP&R), Calvert White, was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for soliciting and accepting a bribe from a government contractor in exchange for assistance in attempting to obtain a $1.43 million dollar government contract. His co-conspirator, Benjamin Hendricks, was also sentenced yesterday to 68 months in prison for his role in the same scheme.
“Calvert White rigged a public bid process in exchange for a bribe,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He abused the trust of those who live in the community he was supposed to serve. The Criminal Division will continue to prosecute government corruption. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our institutions at every level of government.”
“The defendants’ convictions send a message: public corruption is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our community,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Public officials take an oath based on trust and assume a responsibility of service to the people,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Claudia Dubravetz of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “When that trust is violated through acts of corruption, it undermines confidence in government and harms the communities it is meant to serve. This is unacceptable, and the FBI will continue to work with our partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, White solicited and accepted a bribe from a government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, who acted as an intermediary to facilitate payment of the bribe. The scheme lasted about seven months, beginning in at least December 2023 and continuing until the FBI approached the defendants in June 2024. As part of the scheme, in December 2023, White demanded the bribe from Whitaker to be later paid through Hendricks. In exchange for the bribe, White agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a valuable contract for the installation of security cameras at SP&R properties in the Virgin Islands. As part of the scheme, White provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. During the bid selection process, Whitaker sent the bribe payment to a bank account controlled by Hendricks, who later delivered the funds to White.
The jury convicted both White and Hendricks of one count of honest services wire fraud, and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Former PIN Trial Attorney Lina Peng also provided significant assistance in the investigation and prosecution.
Former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Sentenced for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 23, 2026, former Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (SP&R), Calvert White, was sentenced to five years in prison for soliciting and accepting a bribe from a government contractor in exchange for assistance in attempting to obtain a $1.43 million dollar government contract. His co-conspirator, Benjamin Hendricks, was also sentenced yesterday to 68 months in prison for his role in the same scheme.
“Calvert White rigged a public bid process in exchange for a bribe,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He abused the trust of those who live in the community he was supposed to serve. The Criminal Division will continue to prosecute government corruption. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our institutions at every level of government.”
“The defendants’ convictions send a message: public corruption is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our community,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the Virgin Islands.
“This case sends a clear message that public corruption will not be tolerated at any level. The resources meant to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands, must be respected,” said Claudia Dubravetz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to working alongside our partners to safeguard public funds, and ensure integrity in government contracting by pursuing and imposing consequences on those who would exploit the system.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, White solicited and accepted a bribe from a government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, who acted as an intermediary to facilitate payment of the bribe. The scheme lasted about seven months, beginning in at least December 2023 and continuing until the FBI approached the defendants in June 2024. As part of the scheme, in December 2023, White demanded the bribe from Whitaker to be later paid through Hendricks. In exchange for the bribe, White agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a valuable contract for the installation of security cameras at SP&R properties in the Virgin Islands. As part of the scheme, White provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. During the bid selection process, Whitaker sent the bribe payment to a bank account controlled by Hendricks, who later delivered the funds to White.
The jury convicted both White and Hendricks of one count of honest services wire fraud, and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Former PIN Trial Attorney Lina Peng and former AUSA Michael Conley also provided significant assistance in the investigation and prosecution.St. Thomian Man Arrested for COVID-19 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Loan FraudRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 15, 2026, David J. McDonald, 31, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on criminal charges related to bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and false statements.
According to court documents, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in or around March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).
Investigation revealed that from 2020 through 2021, McDonald fraudulently obtained PPP loan disbursements of amounts in excess of $400,000. McDonald submitted false documents and statements in support of Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications to various banks. These certifications alleged that McDonald owned the businesses Ocean Breeze, LLC and DEMS Holdings, LLC, and that the funds would be used to pay employees of the businesses. The investigation revealed that the businesses had no employes and PPP funds were being used for personal expenses and wire transfers to other accounts and individuals unrelated to the business. The investigation also revealed that McDonald applied for and obtained PPP loan forgiveness from the SBA. Over a period of approximately 5 years, McDonald expended all PPP loan funds.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Man of Maintaining A Drug-Involved PremiseRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 14, 2026, a federal jury convicted Mikey Luke, 52, of St. Croix, of maintaining a drug-involved premise.
At trial, federal and local law enforcement officers testified that, on September 28, 2021, officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department were dispatched to Anna’s Hope, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands. While responding to the call, officers observed marijuana plants outside of the residence. A subsequent search of the residence revealed marijuana plants throughout a studio apartment. The studio was outfitted with multiple fans, air conditioning vents, strings, and lights to aid in the cultivation of the plants. Additional marijuana plants were located throughout the property. Plants were observed at various stages of growth, from seedlings to mature plants. The residence was also equipped with pots, soil, and gardening equipment. A total of 138 plants were seized.
During an interview with law enforcement officers, Luke admitted that he owned the residence and that the marijuana plants belonged to him. Luke also admitted that he had been growing marijuana plants for over 10 years.
The offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Baker prosecuted the case.California Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Shaheel Singh, 25, of California, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on January 15, 2025, to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were inspecting all checked bags on American Airlines flight 2211 from Miami, FL to St. Croix. During the x-ray examination of one bag, officers noticed images consistent with smuggling narcotics. The defendant’s name was on the baggage tag. CBP officers placed the baggage on the carousel and monitored to see who would retrieve it. The defendant retrieved the baggage, and CBP officers escorted him to an area for further inspection. A physical search of the baggage revealed vacuum-sealed bags containing a green leafy substance. The substance tested positive for marijuana with a total weight of approximately 10.6 kilograms.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 12, 2026, John Paul Cunningham, 31, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Wilma A. Lewis for possession of child pornography. Judge Lewis sentenced Cunningham to 84 months’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Restitution will be determined later.
According to documents filed with the court, on or about May 5, 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cyber tip line received information from Google, Inc. regarding a Gmail account user on St. Croix viewing or uploading what appeared to be child sexual exploitation materials. Google provided subscriber information, including the owner’s name and contact numbers for the account. The information revealed that the email address belonged to Cunningham. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that Cunningham would be traveling from St. Croix to the mainland. On June 9, 2020, HSI agents went to Henry Rohlsen Airport and made contact with and interviewed Cunningham. After receiving Cunningham’s consent, agents searched his cell phone Google cloud account and found thousands of images of child sexual abuse material that showed minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images were produced using materials which had been mailed, shipped, or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, and Cunningham knew the visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.United States Department of Justice Sues the Virgin Islands Police Department for Unconstitutional Practices Resulting in Effective Denials of Gun PermitsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that the United States Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) alleging that the territory’s unreasonable delays and conditions on lawful gun owners’ rights create an unconstitutional permitting process in violation of the Second Amendment. Numerous applicants complained that VIPD is unreasonably delaying their gun permit application decisions and adding unreasonable conditions, including bolted-in gun safes, prior to issuing gun licenses. Finally, VIPD continues to enforce a proper cause requirement nearly identical to the law that the U.S. Supreme Court previously struck down in another case years ago.
“This Civil Rights Division will protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “The newly-established Second Amendment Section filed this lawsuit to bring the Virgin Islands Police Department back into legal compliance by ensuring that applicants receive timely decisions without unconstitutional obstruction.”
“The territory’s firearms licensing laws and practices are inconsistent with the Second Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands. “This lawsuit seeks to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a regulation it labeled “proper cause,” which New York law enforcement used to deny gun permits if the applicant did not show “proper cause” for the gun permit. That case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, is the established law of the land, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, the Virgin Islands maintains and enforces a law nearly identical to the overturned law. Additionally, complaints have poured in from residents showing unconstitutional delays and requirements, including police conducting unconstitutional and unreasonable home searches—the very type of requirements the U.S. Supreme Court finds abusive in permitting schemes. The lawsuit is filed in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands.
If you are a current or prospective gun owner and believe your gun permit application is subject to unconstitutional delays or practices, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.Justice Department Sues the Virgin Islands Police Department for Unconstitutional Practices Resulting in Effective Denials of Gun PermitsRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) alleging that the territory’s unreasonable delays and conditions on lawful gun owners’ rights create an unconstitutional permitting process in violation of the Second Amendment. Numerous applicants complained that VIPD is unreasonably delaying their gun permit application decisions and added unreasonable conditions, including bolted-in gun safes, prior to issuing gun licenses. Finally, VIPD continues to enforce a proper cause regulation nearly identical to the law that the U.S. Supreme Court previously struck down in another case years ago.
“This Civil Rights Division will protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The newly-established Second Amendment Section filed this lawsuit to bring the Virgin Islands Police Department back into legal compliance by ensuring that applicants receive timely decisions without unconstitutional obstruction.”
“The territory’s firearms licensing laws and practices are inconsistent with the Second Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper for the District of the U.S. Virgin Islands. “This lawsuit seeks to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a regulation it labeled “proper cause,” which New York law enforcement used to deny gun permits if the applicant did not provide “proper cause” reasons for the gun permit. That case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, is the established law of the land, including the territory of the Virgin Islands. Today, the Virgin Islands maintains and enforces a law nearly identical to the overturned law. Additionally, complaints have poured in from residents showing unconstitutional delays and requirements, including police conducting unconstitutionally unreasonable home searches — the very type of requirements the U.S. Supreme Court finds abusive in permitting schemes. The lawsuit is filed in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the Second Amendment, the Police Pattern or Practice Act (34 U.S.C. § 12601), and Executive Order 14206. If you are a current or prospective gun owner and believe your gun permit application is subject to unconstitutional delays or practices, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.
Undocumented Felon Sentenced for Re-Entering the United States IllegallyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that a Dominican Republic national, Tommy Walter Ramirez, 36, was sentenced to 20 months’ incarceration by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy.
According to court documents, on May 24, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal agents and the United States Marshals apprehended Tommy Walter Ramirez. When apprehended, Ramirez did not have any identification on him. A biometric fingerprint check came back positive for Ramirez, who was assigned an alien registration number by Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS).
Record checks revealed that on April 22, 2022, Ramirez was deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic and ordered not to return. A review of Ramirez’s immigration file did not show any legal entries into the United States, nor did Ramirez show any proof that he was given advance, written permission to re-enter the United States by the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Further, Ramirez’s criminal history showed that while residing illegally in the Virgin Islands, Ramirez sustained two felony convictions for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Baker.Former VIPD Commissioner and Former OMB Director Found Guilty on All Counts in Federal Corruption TrialRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal jury found Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O’Neal, former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), guilty on all counts following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Mark A. Kearney. Martinez and O’Neal were convicted of participating in a wide-ranging public corruption scheme involving honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and, in Martinez’s case, obstruction of justice.
According to evidence presented at trial, Martinez accepted nearly $100,000 in bribe payments from contractor David Whitaker — including cash, luxury travel, personal expenses, private-school tuition, and restaurant equipment — and in exchange used his official authority to approve invoices and award Whitaker a $1.4 million dollar contract funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. O’Neal, who served as the territory’s chief budget official, knowingly approved a $70,000 inflated invoice under that same contract and later accepted a $17,730 lease payment for her business, Java Grande, using federal funds from the inflated invoice.
The evidence further showed that, after learning of the federal investigation, Martinez attempted to obstruct justice by directing Whitaker to destroy evidence and by creating a fraudulent promissory note in an effort to conceal bribe payments. Martinez and O’Neal each face significant statutory penalties, including terms of imprisonment and fines. Sentencing dates will be scheduled by the court.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper of the District of the Virgin Islands, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General.
Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
Former Vipd Commissioner and Former Omb Director Found Guilty on All Counts in Federal Corruption TrialRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Jenifer O’Neal, former Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB), were found guilty on all counts following a one-week jury trial before United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney. Martinez and O’Neal were convicted of participating in a wide-ranging public corruption scheme involving honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and, in Martinez’s case, obstruction of justice.
“Public corruption erodes trust in government and interferes with the provision of important services to the community,” said United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “These convictions show that those who violate the public trust, whoever they are, will be held accountable.”
“Today’s verdict delivers a clear message: no one is above the law,” said Joe Rodriguez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, which covers the US Virgin Islands. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to rebuild public trust, which is the foundation of our democracy.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Martinez accepted nearly $100,000 in bribe payments from contractor David Whitaker—including cash, luxury travel, personal expenses, private-school tuition, and restaurant equipment—and used his official authority to approve invoices and award Whitaker a $1.4 million dollar contract funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. O’Neal, who served as the territory’s chief budget official, knowingly approved a $70,000 inflated invoice under that same contract and later accepted a $17,730 lease payment for her business, Java Grande, using federal funds from the inflated invoice.
The evidence further showed that, after learning of the federal investigation, Martinez attempted to obstruct justice by directing Whitaker to destroy evidence and by creating a fraudulent promissory note in an effort to conceal bribe payments. Martinez and O’Neal each face significant statutory penalties, including terms of imprisonment, and fines. Sentencing dates will be scheduled by the Court.
The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorney Alexandre
Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.St. Croix Man Sentenced to 18 months on Influencing Federal Officers by ThreatsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Jamoi Weekes, 31, of St. Croix, was sentenced last week by Senior District Judge Wilma A. Lewis for influencing federal officers by threats to 18 months of imprisonment, two years of supervised release, 20 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine.
According to court documents, on August 31, 2024, Weekes arrived at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix in the District of the Virgin Islands to board a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was referred for a second inspection by an officer with Customs & Border Protection (CBP). At the secondary inspection area station, Weekes was asked to fill out a customs declaration form. He refused to do so. He quickly grew agitated and began yelling at the CBP officers in the secondary inspection area. Specifically, Weekes ripped up the form and demanded to know if CBP Officers had a warrant for his arrest. Thereafter, he threatened to assault and kill the CBP Officers. Because of his unruly behavior, he was prohibited by CBP officers from boarding his flight, and he was asked to leave the CBP secondary inspection area. Weekes did so, but rather than leaving the airport altogether, he sat on a bench near an airline check-in counter. He waited on the bench for a period of time, until he saw the CBP Officers from the secondary inspection area exit the airport terminal and walk towards the parking lot, as their daily shift had concluded. Weekes followed the CBP officers into the parking lot and challenged one to a fight.
The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Dominican Republic National Detained on Federal Drug and Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI –Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on September 24, 2025, Carlos Alexis Olivares-Taveras, 34, of the Dominican Republic, was ordered detained pending trial, or until the defense seeks a reopening of his detention hearing, following his arrest on federal drug and immigration offenses.
According to court documents, on September 22, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner law enforcement agencies conducting an immigration enforcement operation in St. Thomas stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant. During the stop, agents observed a white powdery substance in the driver’s side door panel.
A search of the vehicle revealed eleven baggies containing a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine and approximately $4,000 in U.S. currency. During an interview, the defendant admitted that the cocaine and money belonged to him. He also admitted that he had entered the United States unlawfully by boat from Tortola to St. John in February 2025 without presenting himself at a lawful port of entry.
Olivares-Taveras is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and with illegal entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and Co-Conspirator Convicted in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI — Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Calvert White, 49, of St. Thomas, and Benjamin Hendricks, 62, also of St. Thomas, were convicted of Honest Services Wire Fraud and Federal Programs Bribery following a four day jury trial.
“No one is above the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Today’s convictions show that even high-ranking government officials will be held accountable for engaging in criminal misconduct. Our community deserves better.”
“Public corruption erodes the very fabric of our society. The community deserves honesty and integrity from public officials,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski. “The FBI follows the facts no matter where they lead. Our mission is simple but powerful: to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Every person in the Virgin Islands is included in that promise. I want to thank our dedicated FBI agents and personnel here in the Virgin Islands who worked relentlessly on this investigation as well as our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and the Public Integrity Section. We encourage anyone with information on federal crimes to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.”
According to evidence admitted at trial, White solicited and accepted a bribe from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, who acted as an intermediary. The scheme began in at least December 2023 and continued until the defendants were approached in June 2024. In exchange for the bribe paid by Whitaker, White agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a contract budgeted for $1.6 million with SP&R. White, amongst other acts, provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. Hendricks served as a middleman for the payments and facilitated the bribery scheme.
The offense of Honest Services Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the offense of Federal Programs Bribery carries a maximum penalty 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 FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Lina Peng of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.
###
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Role in Drug Trafficking GangRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Kai James, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and six years
of supervised release by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to
conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role in a drug trafficking
conspiracy led by James and his brother, Ivan James. Other members in the James gang, Ivan James,
Joh Williams, Malachi Benjamin, Ariel Petersen, Jahkiebo Joseph, Tillisa Ceaser, and Luis Ortiz, Jr.,
all of St. Croix, were previously sentenced by Judge Kearney for their roles in the drug trafficking
conspiracy.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at the trial of Ivan James and Joh
Williams and other hearings, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in
January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized
an iPhone from then-inmate Joh Williams. A search of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed
text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances in the prison. Thereafter,
Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept calls from a second cell phone
used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of distribution of
controlled substances within the facility by Williams, supplied by Ivan James. The investigation
further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization
who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams.
Members of the gang who worked at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix used their
secured access to smuggle multiple kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts
destined for the continental United States. Testimony revealed that Ivan and Kai James recruited
couriers to deliver bricks of cocaine as passengers on board commercial flights. As a
manager/supervisor in the drug trafficking gang, Kai James used as many as 10 couriers to travel to
New York, North Carolina, and Florida with 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine per trip in this broad and
brazen drug trafficking operation.
In addition, a search warrant was executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James. Law
enforcement recovered marijuana, cocaine, and marijuana cultivation equipment. In a field adjacent
to the property, agents seized over 1,000 marijuana plants.
A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana
plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting
in the death of Levar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of
imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on
the drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven
years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of
firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to
93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced
to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin
pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72
months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz,
Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Ceaser was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment, and
Ortiz was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
“Due to the tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
Corrections, the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy
sentences for their involvement in these crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.
“This sentence sends a clear message, and it is credited to the extensive collaboration between
federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands
towards combatting drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and the myriads of other illicit activities of
transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security
Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos.
“The guilty plea of Kai James represents a decisive blow against the violent narcotics
conspiracy that plagued the people of St. Croix for far too long,” stated DEA Caribbean Division
Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “This case underscores the unwavering commitment
of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the
safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to have worked alongside the USAO, HSI,
FBI, CBP, and ATF to bring justice to those impacted by these crimes. Let this serve as a clear
message: we will not relent in our fight to protect the Caribbean from the scourge of drug trafficking
and violence.”
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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
Corrections. It was prosecuted by former United States Attorney Delia Smith, Acting Assistant United
States Attorney Adam Sleeper, and lead OCDETF attorney Kyle Payne.Puerto Rican Man Sentenced for Role in Trafficking 25 Kilograms of Cocaine on Jet SkisRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Emanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, 34, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 7, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 121 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 25 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, on December 11, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air patrol detected four jet skis traveling from Culebra, PR towards St. Thomas, USVI. AMO air patrol watched the jet skis, each operated by a sole occupant, as they approached the west side of St. Thomas. Air patrol watched as the jet skis made way to the beach at Mermaid’s Chair where they were met by four individuals waiting on the beach. AMO agents saw duffle bags being loaded on to the skis, and the skis quickly leaving towards Culebra, PR. AMO agents also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked in the parking area above the beach while the skis were being loaded with the duffle bags.
AMO law enforcement vessels pursued the four jet skis towards Culebra, PR. One driver drove his ski on to a Culebra, PR beach and fled on foot. A duffle bag was recovered near the abandoned ski. Inside the duffle bag, officers recovered 26 packages containing cocaine. Three other operators were apprehended.
Meanwhile, DEA, CBP, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the Botany Bay Preserve community to investigate the red Jeep Wrangler seen by AMO air agents. As the Jeep was approaching the gated exit of the community, agents stopped it. Rodriguez-Rodriguez and five other individuals. were detained. A Glock pistol was seen in plain view inside the rear pocket of the driver’s seat where Vazquez Lopez was seated. Another Glock pistol without a serial number was in the center console.
The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten
the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.St. Croix Man Sentenced for Shooting a Woman and Her DaughterRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on July 2,
2025, Miguel A. Marrero, 53, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Wilma A. Lewis on two
federal and two territorial charges. On the federal charges, Judge Lewis sentenced Marrero to 15
years’ imprisonment for discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (Count
One) and 30 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon (Count Two). On the
territorial charges, Judge Lewis sentenced Marrero to 12.5 months’ imprisonment for assault first
degree (Count Five), and four years’ imprisonment for assault third degree (Count Eight). The
federal charges are to be served consecutively to each other and consecutive to the territorial
charges. The territorial charges are to be served concurrently. Judge Lewis also sentenced Marrero
to five years of supervised release.
According to Court documents, on July 4, 2024, at the Candido Guadalupe Terrace housing
community on St. Croix, Marrero’s minor son and a female minor got into a physical altercation.
The female minor’s mother observed the physical altercation, came running towards it, and then
confronted Marrero. They had a verbal altercation, and after the mother allegedly struck Marrero
in the face, Marrero pulled out a gun and shot her in the back. The female minor then fled, but was
shot twice by Marrero while running away, in the leg and ankle. Marrero then fled the scene. As a
result of her injuries, the mother was airlifted off island for medical treatment. Marrero was a
convicted felon, who had been convicted of a firearm charge in the District Court of the Virgin
Islands on June 7, 2000.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security
Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-
Henry.
###Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to 137 Months in Prison for Cocaine SmugglingRead the Press Release
ST. THOMAS – Acting U.S. Attorney Adan F. Sleeper announced today that Brian Santiago
Gonzalez, 25, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on July 1, 2025, by Chief District Judge Robert A.
Molloy to 137 months’ imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to
one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on December 9, 2024.
According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Brian Santiago Gonzalez and co-defendant
Wesly Albert Amaro were stopped in the waters near Savanah Island, just west of St. Thomas,
USVI. At approximately 4:00 a.m., the United States Coast Guard (USCG) detected a vessel
operating without navigation lights traveling at a high rate of speed from Culebra, PR towards
Hendrick Bay, St. Thomas. Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine (AMO) vessels
responded as the USCG provided updates on the vessel’s location. AMO agents located the lightsout
vessel using radar and attempted a stop. The vessel fled while the two men onboard jettisoned
bags overboard. The vessel would not heave to, so AMO agents disabled the vessel’s engine.
During the chase, AMO agents marked the locations where duffle bags were discarded from the
vessel. Upon returning to the marked areas, AMO agents recovered three duffel bags containing
79 kilograms of cocaine.
Wesly Albert Amaro was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised
release on August 18, 202, following his guilty plea.
CBP-AMO, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations
investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten
the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional
information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.Virgin Islands Resident Sentenced for Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Shabukah Bannis, 29, of St. Croix, was sentenced on Friday, June 20, 2025, for unlawfully possessing a machine gun. U.S. District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Bannis to 30 months’ imprisonment.
According to court documents, on November 30, 2023, officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Bannis. During the stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana. Bannis admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle, prompting a search. Inside the car, officers recovered marijuana and found a loaded machine gun with an obliterated serial number concealed under the driver’s seat.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Lewis emphasized that the message must be “loud, clear, and unmistakable—the possession of these types of weapons of war cannot and will not be tolerated in this community.”
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.Ohio Woman Arraigned on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Kesahia Davis, 32, of Ohio, was arraigned on June 9, 2025, in the District Court of the Virgin Islands on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges following the return of an indictment on May 21, 2025. The indictment charges Davis with one count of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana
According to court records, on March 23, 2025, Davis arrived at the Cyril E King Airport on Spirit Airlines. After her flight arrived, the checked baggage for the flight was unloaded and brought to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) X-Ray machine for routine examination. While conducting checked baggage examinations on the X-Ray machine, a CBP Officer discovered anomalies in the checked baggage that he believed to be consistent with marijuana within. CBP allowed the baggage to be sent through the conveyer belt and monitored who would take possession of the baggage. As the baggage arrived on the conveyer belt in the baggage retrieval area, Davis picked the baggage off the belt and proceeded to walk towards the exit of the airport. CBP Officers then stopped and detained Davis. CBP Officers asked Davis if the baggage was hers, and she replied that it was. Davis was then escorted to secondary inspection. Upon CBP inspection of the baggage in secondary, a lock was identified on the baggage. Davis stated she did not have the key to the lock. CBP used a TSA key and unlocked the baggage. CBP then located approximately 3.89 kilograms of marijuana.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise George.California Woman Arraigned on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Jaclyn Raquel Quiroz, of California, was arraigned on June 9, 2025, in the District Court of the Virgin Islands on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges following an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on May 21, 2025. The indictment charges Quiroz with one count of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, on March 26, 2025, Quiroz arrived at the Cyril E. King airport on board a United Airlines flight. After the flight arrived, the checked baggage was placed into a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) x-ray machine. CBP officers noticed some anomalies in two suitcases with luggage tags listed under Quiroz’s name. CBP officers identified dense substances inside both suitcases, which they recognized as consistent with the attributes of marijuana. The suitcases were placed on the checked baggage carousel, where they would be retrieved by the owner. CBP officers observing the suitcases witnessed Quiroz retrieve both suitcases from the carousel. CBP officers stopped Quiroz and requested identification, which she provided in the form of a California driver’s license.
Quiroz was then escorted to a secondary inspection area. CBP officers opened the suitcases to further examine them. Inside both suitcases, the officers discovered several black vacuum sealed packages covered by a towel. Upon closer inspection, the packaging was found to contain approximately 20 kilograms of marijuana.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise George.California Resident Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Postal EmployeesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Simon Peters, 42, of California, was sentenced on Friday, June 6, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 8 months’ imprisonment, followed by 30 months of supervised release, for threatening to kill employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS). Peters pleaded guilty to one count of making threats against public officials on February 18, 2025.
“Threatening postal employees and other public officials will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sleeper. “Postal workers work tirelessly to serve our community and carry out their duties. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten violence against our dedicated public servants.”
“The US Postal Inspection Service takes threats of violence to postal employees very seriously.” said Acting Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the USPIS Miami Division. “I’d like to thank the FBI, DEA, HSI, USMS, CBP and VIPD who provided assistance and resources to aid us during this investigation.”
According to court records, Peters called the Ottley Post Office on St. Thomas on January 27, 2024, and threatened to kill the carrier that services the Kirwan Terrace Housing Community for not delivering his packages, which contained marijuana. The threats included: “Make sure the fat boy know, we’re watching him and next time we’re going to kill him behind the building”; “We are definitely going to make a frigging example out here”; and “Any more packages from California go missing, you will see what happen to the co-workers dem … one by one.”
On January 29, 2024, Peters again called the Ottley Post Office and continued his threats. Peters stated he wanted to speak to the delivery driver for Kirwan Terrace. When asked why he wanted to speak with the driver, Peters stated, “To let the people know what’s going on in the Virgin Islands. We got people driving around looking for him, and you gon hear him get gun shots in his [expletive] ass.” He also stated, “I’ve been doing this for over 10 years now. I’m in California dealing with the Virgin Islands.”
As a result of the threats, the USPS management did not send any letter carriers to the Kirwan Terrace Housing Community for two days to ensure their safety. This temporarily disrupted mail delivery to that community. The USPS also brought in agents from other jurisdictions to escort letter carriers to
2
deliver the mail. Additionally, the USPS employed a private security company to provide additional security at the post offices.
The USPS tracked the phone calls to California where Peters was located. Peters was arrested and brought to the Virgin Islands for prosecution.
The investigation was conducted by the US Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from FBI, DEA, HSI, USMS, CBP and VIPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha L. Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Dominican National Sentenced to 10 years on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ery Rivera Palmer, 39, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 75 kilograms of cocaine and three firearms.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., while patrolling the area of Haulover Bay, St. John, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine (CBP-AMO) agents, along with Border Patrol (BP) agents, detected two males walking the beach trail towards the beach at Haulover Bay. One male was carrying an assault-style long gun. Minutes later, the males were observed carrying three black duffel bags up the trail towards a small parking area. A lone gray Acura RDX was then seen leaving the area. Federal agents, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), were able to locate the vehicle suspected of containing the two males seen walking the trail. The vehicle was stopped. Rivera Palmer was one of two occupants in the car who matched the description of the two men seen on the trail. As federal agents approached the vehicle, two assault-style rifles were seen on the rear passenger floorboard. A third firearm, a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, was found on the driver side floorboard. Neither of the two assault-style rifles had serial numbers. In the rear of the vehicle, agents recovered three duffle bags containing 61 brick-like packages containing approximately 75 kilograms of cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, BP, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of FBI and VIPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.Dominican National Sentenced to Ten Months in Prison for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Omaily Sanchez Taveras, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced on May 30, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy, to ten months imprisonment for illegally smuggling aliens. The sentence follows a two-day jury trial in which a federal jury found Taveras guilty of smuggling ten illegal aliens from St. Thomas to Puerto Rico.
According to court records, on October 13, 2024, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations in St. Thomas received information that a vessel appeared to be loading illegal aliens in Fortuna Bay, on the western end of St. Thomas. Agents traveled to the area and eventually located and observed an anchored vessel, dead in the water, close to an island known as West Cay. On board the vessel were eleven illegal aliens, including the vessel’s captain, Taveras. Of the ten passengers, four were from the Dominican Republic, four were from Romania, and two were from Brazil. They all paid Taveras to take them to Culebra.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and CBP-MIA. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard E. Potter and Denise George.Brazilian National Sentenced to Seven Months Imprisonment for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced that Joice Iara Costa De Souza, a 28-year-old woman from Brazil, was sentenced on Thursday, May 29, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy, to seven months imprisonment for illegally reentering the country after she had been deported.
According to court records, De Souza was previously deported from the United States on November 22, 2019, after pleading guilty to illegally entering the United States. On March 12, 2020, De Souza was arrested at the Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, St. Thomas. De Souza admitted that she did not have proper documentation to enter or remain in the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction Agents (CBP-MIA). Assistant United States Attorney Denise George prosecuted the case.Two St. Thomian Men Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that two St. Thomian
men, Romeo Walter, 42, and Kenan Thomas, 38, were both sentenced on Thursday, May 29, 2025,
by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 15 years imprisonment for illegally
possessing four firearms on April 8, 2020. The sentences follow a 4-day jury trial after which a
federal jury found both men guilty of possessing firearms as felons, in violation of federal law, and
unauthorized possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of territorial law.
According to court documents, on April 8, 2020, at around 2:00 p.m., Virgin Islands Police
Department (VIPD) officers were patrolling the Hospital Ground neighborhood in St. Thomas due
to recent shootings, including a homicide near the area earlier the same day. VIPD officers entered
the Jah Yard area and pursued a group of individuals that included Walter and Thomas, after the
group ran as officers approached. Surveillance video captured a group of four males, including
Walter and Thomas, climbing over a railing and onto the patio of a neighborhood home with two
black bags. The surveillance video showed Thomas passing a handgun from his waist to codefendant
Akeem Julien, who then placed the gun into a black duffle bag. The surveillance video
further showed defendant Thomas leaving the patio with two bags, heading in one direction, while
Julien and Walter left in the opposite direction. A fourth co-defendant, Nijontea Walker, left shortly
after the other three. VIPD officers chased Thomas to a small house in Jah Yard. Thomas was
arrested and the two bags were seized. One bag contained an AK-47 firearm with an obliterated
serial number; a Glock 20, 10 mm handgun; and a Glock 21, .45 caliber handgun. A black backpack
contained an AR-15 firearm. VIPD officers also seized over 250 rounds of ammunition from the
bags. Each firearm was loaded with numerous rounds of ammunition. Walter, Julien, and Walker
were all identified by the surveillance video.
Judge Malloy sentenced Romeo Walter to 71 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of
supervised release, on the federal conviction, and 15 years in prison on the territorial conviction, to
be served concurrently.
Judge Malloy sentenced Kenan Thomas to 120 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised
release on the federal conviction, and 15 years in prison on the territorial conviction, to be served
concurrently.
Co-defendant Akeem Julien pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number
and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on November 21, 2024.
Co-defendant Nijontea Walker pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial
number and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on September 19, 2023.
The investigation was conducted by the VIPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives (ATF), with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys
Kyle Payne and Natasha Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office
for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten
the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional
information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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United States Attorney’s Office Announces Departure of Delia L. Smith as U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper is now Acting U.S. Attorney
St. Thomas, VI – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today the departure of Delia L. Smith as U.S. Attorney.
Under the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper is now the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands. As Acting U.S. Attorney, he is the chief federal law enforcement official in the territory of the Virgin Islands.
Sleeper is a career prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office. He has served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney and as Appellate Chief.
Sleeper received an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and a law degree from Cornell Law School. Before joining the Department of Justice, he clerked for Judge Curtis Gómez of the District Court of the Virgin Islands and Judge Joel Carson III of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He also worked as an associate in the Boston, Massachusetts office of an international law firm.