January 2026 – Virgin Islands Free Press

VIPD seeking public assistance to locate missing Dominican woman

CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in locating 56-year-old Andrea Severino Santos, also known as "Wanda," who has been reported missing in the St.…

John McCarthy January 21, 2026

Breaking News Crime News Police News

ADVISORY: Cannabis and leisure travel in the USVI—What you need to know

ST. THOMAS / ST. CROIX / ST. JOHN — As the U.S. Virgin Islands prepares for the full rollout of its legal adult-use cannabis market in 2026, a dangerous "legal…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Crime News Police News

Behind the Badge: How CBP Intercepts Narcotics

When a flight from a "high-interest" hub like Miami lands at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, a specialized process begins long before the first passenger reaches the baggage claim. 1. The…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Crime News Police News

St. Thomian charged in $400,000 PPP loan fraud scheme involving “ghost” businesses

CHRISTIANSTED — A 31-year-old man from St. Thomas appeared in federal court on Thursday to face multiple felony charges after investigators alleged he fraudulently obtained and spent over $400,000 in…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Crime News National News

California man faces sentencing for smuggling 23 pounds of marijuana to St. Croix

CHRISTIANSTED — A 25-year-old California man is awaiting federal sentencing after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges following his arrest at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. United…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Community Affairs Health News

OP-ED: The $112,000 price of broken promises

By Virgin Islands Free Press Editorial Board In the bureaucracy of the U.S. Virgin Islands, numbers often lose their meaning. But this week, Attorney General Gordon Rhea provided one that…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Health News Police News

STX MORGUE UPDATE: AG Rhea promises April opening, cites $112K in transfer costs

KINGSHILL — Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has issued a detailed response to Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, providing a roadmap for the restoration of forensic services on St. Croix and…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Community Affairs Police News

BREAKING: VIPD issues urgent wanted alert for St. Croix Man

KINGSHILL — The Virgin Islands Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating 40-year-old Terrance Vidale, who was last seen late Monday morning on St. Croix. Last Known Sightings…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Crime News Police News

St. Thomas man arrested on firearm and traffic charges after foot pursuit

CHARLOTTE AMALE — A 25-year-old man is in custody after a routine traffic stop for an obstructed roadway led to a foot chase and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026

Breaking News Business News International News

Peru’s president embroiled in scandal over failure to disclose meetings with Chinese businessman

LIMA (Reuters) — Peruvian President Jose Jeri is facing a preliminary investigation by the country's prosecutor as Congress looks to begin impeachment proceedings, after his recent meetings with a Chinese…

John McCarthy January 20, 2026