CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The first photos of the St. Thomas track coach accused or raping or molesting at least six CAHS male students in his care at the high school have been released to social media.
Many of the photos of Alfredo Bruce Smith, 50, of St. Thomas, show him to be a high-spirited individual who went out of his way to interact with his students once class was over through extracurricular activities such as sports and school pep rallies.
John Marquis Cahill, a retired teacher who taught Smith at Charlotte Amalie High School, said his former student was well-liked and respected by the CAHS students Smith monitored and coached.
Smith himself was fond of referring to himself as “Bruce Almighty,” like the character portrayed by Jim Carrey in the 2003 feature film in which he meets God, played by Morgan Freeman.
The news of Smith’s arrest was released to the public by the United States Attorney’s Office in St. Thomas on Wednesday afternoon.
Federal authorities take pictures of criminal suspects such as Smith, but do not release them to the general public or the press — unless they are wanted fugitives — and authorities don’t know where to find them.
The reaction to Smith’s arrest Tuesday was highly critical of the CAHS track coach.
“The recent cases involving the St. Thomas coach and child molestation are deplorable and must not be condoned,” St. Croix Senator Javan James said. “He and anyone who knew about the crimes will face increased penalties based on my legislation…see Facebook post for more.”
“Heck is sad B. This man been a real idol to a lot of track youth in VI. Serves you right parna,” Marcus Riley said from St. Thomas.
“Sicko….he shouldn’t be allowed out in society again,” Vivian Greaux said from St. Thomas.
“Production you seh,” Michael Delande said.
“Castrate him!” Janice Fields said from the Bronx in New York City.
“How was this possible? Where’s VIDE explanation and report?” Tetyana Hayes said from St. Thomas.
“I’ll prime the wood chipper,” Mike De Sorbo said from St. Thomas.
“Time to start chopping Dickie off,” Vivian Greaux said.
“Cut them (eggplant emoji) off,” Jeffrey Winston said.
