St. Thomas Man Who Shipped Cocaine Disguised As Candy Convicted: USAO

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man who shipped about a pound of cocaine disguised in colorful cellophane candy bags to the U.S. mainland has admitted in federal court to sending about half that amount in return for a reduced prison sentence, authorities said.

Kemo Riley, of St. Thomas, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Curtis Gomez accepted Riley’s guilty plea.

In his plea agreement, Riley admitted to mailing a package to an unnamed person in New York containing more than 250 grams of cocaine concealed in candy bar wrappers on May 28, 2019.

Riley faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Judge Gomez scheduled defendant Riley’s sentencing for June 4, 2020, at 9 a.m.

Riley was charged in June with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a substance containing 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of cocaine, according to court records.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security,

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Blecher and Nathan Brooks.