CHARLOTTE AMALIE — After a jury trial, 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 public corruption counts, U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper said.
The one-week trial took place before United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney on St. Thomas.
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 Sleeper.
“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.
Meanwhile, former St. Croix Police Chief Novelle E. Francis Jr., a sitting St. Croix senator, said this on Facebook:
To the Men and Women of the Virgin Islands Police Department,
I want to speak to you directly in light of the recent conviction of a former police commissioner. Moments like this are difficult, and I understand the frustration and disappointment many of you may feel. But I want to be absolutely clear: this situation does not define you, your service, or the integrity of the vast majority of the men and women who wear the badge with honor every single day.
One individual’s choices should never overshadow the professionalism, sacrifice, and commitment that each of you demonstrates in protecting our community. Do not let this discourage you or shake your resolve. Instead, let it strengthen your dedication to the values that make this department strong — honesty, fairness, courage, and service.
The people of the Virgin Islands rely on you, respect you, and need you. Keep your heads high, stay focused on your mission, and continue to carry out your duties with pride. The uniform you wear is bigger than any one person, and your work continues to make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
Thank you for standing the line, for doing the hard work, and for upholding the trust placed in you. We move forward together — stronger, clearer in purpose, and committed to the highest standards of justice and integrity.
Stay safe, stay proud, and stay committed.
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Former Police Commissioner
Senator of the 36th Legislature
