CHRISTIANSTED — A local man was arrested in a sting operation after attempting to make sexual contact with a minor, authorities said.
Juan Bermudez, 65, of St. Croix was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, second-degree aggravated rape, and second-degree unlawful sexual contact, U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith said.
If convicted, Bermudez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 to 15 years and up to life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to protecting our children and will continue to work jointly with the Virgin Islands Police Department to investigate and pursue individuals who
sexually abuse our children”, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter.
U.S. Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.