CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Federal authorities have put out a wanted poster on a St. Thomas native.
John M. Burgos is currently being sought by the U.S. Marshals Service in St. Thomas for “conspiracy to murder.”
If you know of Burgos whereabouts you are urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service in St. Thomas.
Burgos is currently reported as a wanted fugitive following an escape from custody in the British Virgin Islands in late 2025.
Current Status
- Wanted for Escape: As of October 31, 2025, John Burgos (along with Jose Almestica) was reported as a wanted fugitive after escaping from His Majesty’s Prison in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
- International Alert: There is an Interpol Red Notice (as of late 2025) for John Burgos, born March 15, 1998, in the United States Virgin Islands.
Background Information
Before his escape, John Michael Burgos was well-known to law enforcement in the St. Thomas district:
- 2020 Arrest: He was arrested in St. Thomas after a foot chase near the Tutu Park Mall. During this incident, federal agents seized a fully loaded Glock pistol with an auto sear (making it a machine gun), a 30-round extended magazine, and $800,000 in cash.
- Federal Sentence: In January 2021, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a machine gun.
Important Note
While the U.S. Marshals often assist in international manhunts for U.S. citizens who flee local jurisdictions, his most recent “wanted” status stems specifically from the prison escape in the British Virgin Islands.
As of January 2026, John Michael Burgos remains a high-priority fugitive. While the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) is on high alert, the primary “wanted” status originates from a major prison break in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in late 2025.
The VIPD and U.S. federal authorities are working closely with BVI officials because Burgos has significant ties to St. Thomas.
Latest Manhunt Updates (January 2026)
The search for John Burgos and fellow escapee Jose Almestica has intensified following their escape from His Majesty’s Prison (Balsam Ghut) on October 25, 2025.
- VIPD Territorial Alert: In late 2025, the VIPD issued a territory-wide alert for St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Because Burgos is a U.S. Virgin Islands native, authorities believe he may have attempted to cross the narrow channel from the BVI back to St. Thomas via private vessel.
- BVI Police Commissioner’s Statement (Dec 2025): Interim Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger confirmed that police are using “strengthened tactics,” including the analysis of digital footprints, CCTV, and body-worn footage to track the fugitives’ movements.
- Independent Investigation: The UK Ministry of Justice recently sent a security expert to the region to investigate how the escape occurred. As of early 2026, the findings are being used to tighten security at all ports of entry between the BVI and USVI.
Current Legal Status
| Detail | Information |
| Primary Charges | Conspiracy to murder (BVI); Prior federal machine gun possession (US) |
| Notice Type | Interpol Red Notice (International arrest warrant) |
| Last Known Location | Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
| Risk Level | Extremely Dangerous. Authorities advise the public not to approach him. |
Contact Information
If you have information regarding his location in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- VIPD: Call 911 or the local precinct.
- U.S. Marshals (St. Thomas): (340) 774-2743
- Crime Stoppers USVI: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
As of January 6, 2026, there are no official reports of specific sightings of John Michael Burgos in St. Thomas within the last 48 hours. The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) remains on a territory-wide “high alert” status, but they have not released any recent updates confirming his presence on the island.
Current Situation Summary
- The Manhunt: The search for Burgos and Jose Almestica has been active since their escape from His Majesty’s Prison in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on October 25, 2025.
- VIPD Stance: VIPD spokesperson Glen Dratte previously confirmed that while the primary escape happened in the BVI, the VIPD is treating the situation with urgency due to Burgos’ deep ties to St. Thomas (specifically the Estate Tutu area).
- Recent Official Statements: The most recent major briefings (from late December 2025) indicate that law enforcement is focusing on “digital footprints” and monitoring private maritime traffic between the BVI and USVI, but no physical sightings have been verified by police in the last few days.
Why Public Vigilance is High in St. Thomas
Authorities remain concerned because of Burgos’ history in the district:
- He was previously apprehended in 2020 following a foot chase near Tutu Park Mall.
- Because he is a native of the USVI, law enforcement expects he may seek refuge with associates in the territory.
⚠️ Public Safety Warning: John Burgos is considered extremely dangerous. If you believe you have seen him or have information on his whereabouts, do not approach him.
How to Report Information
If you have information, even if it is not from the last 48 hours, you can report it anonymously:
- Emergency: 911
- Crime Stoppers USVI: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
- VIPD Tip Line: (340) 774-2211
Official physical descriptions for John Michael Burgos and Jose Almestica have been circulated by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) following their October 2025 escape.
Both men are considered extremely dangerous and are believed to be armed.
John Michael Burgos
- Age: 27 (Born: March 15, 1998)
- Origin: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Build: Slim to medium build.
- Complexion: Light brown / Tan.
- Hair: Typically worn in short twists or braids, dark brown/black.
- Distinct Markings: He has been noted in past law enforcement records to have tattoos on his arms, though specific imagery is often kept restricted to avoid alerting the fugitive to what identifying marks police are looking for.
- Known Ties: Deeply connected to the Estate Tutu area and Tutu Park Mall vicinity in St. Thomas.
Jose Almestica
- Age: 37 (Born: ~1988)
- Origin: U.S. Virgin Islands (Spanish/USVI heritage)
- Build: Stocky/Athletic build.
- Complexion: Medium brown.
- Hair: Often kept very short or bald; sometimes sports a thin goatee or beard.
- Identifying Traits: He is a repeat escapee and is known for his ability to blend into local communities. He is highly experienced in maritime travel and may appear as a fisherman or boater.
- Criminal Profile: Associated with major narcotics trafficking and multiple firearm offenses. He has a history of evading capture for years (previously 2017–2021).
Important Safety Information
Because these individuals have been on the run since October 2025, they may have altered their appearances by:
- Shaving their heads or facial hair.
- Using hats, sunglasses, or face coverings.
- Losing or gaining weight due to the stress of being on the lam.
⚠️ Do Not Approach: If you see someone matching these descriptions in St. Thomas or the surrounding islands, do not attempt to take photos or approach them. ### Immediate Action
- Call 911 immediately.
- Contact the U.S. Marshals St. Thomas Office at (340) 774-2743.
- Provide a description of their clothing, direction of travel, and any vehicle or vessel they may be using.
