U.S. Marshals seeking Jose Almestica for ‘weapons offense’ after BVI jailbreak

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The United States Marshals Service is currently seeking Jose Almestica on a “weapons offense.”

As of January 2026, Jose Almestica is a high-priority fugitive being sought by both regional and international law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Interpol.

Current Status

• Fugitive Status: Almestica is currently on the run after escaping from His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut, British Virgin Islands (BVI), on October 25, 2025. He escaped alongside fellow inmate John Burgos.
• Active Search: While the primary manhunt is being led by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), including the U.S. Marshals, are actively involved. This is because Almestica has deep ties to the USVI and is wanted there for “major crimes” and federal parole/supervised release violations.

Origins and Background

Based on official records and police reports:

• Origin: Jose Almestica is a citizen of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).
• Regional Ties: Law enforcement describes him as a “lead player” in the drug and arms trade across the Caribbean, specifically “traversing the seas” between the BVI and the USVI.
• History of Escape: This is his second major escape; he previously escaped the same prison during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and remained at large for over four years before being recaptured in late 2021.

Criminal History

Prior to his 2025 escape, Almestica’s legal history included:

• 2025 Conviction: Found guilty in July 2025 on 10 counts, including possession of narcotics (cocaine and marijuana) and prohibited firearms.
• Murder Charge: He was charged in 2022 with the murder of Deverson Williams in Fish Bay.
• 2012 Federal Case: He was previously sentenced in the USVI to 37 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

⚠️ Security Note: Authorities consider Jose Almestica to be extremely dangerous. He is believed to have access to firearms. The public is advised not to approach him but to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or local 911 immediately if he is spotted.

As of January 2026, there is no official confirmation of a $50,000 reward being offered specifically for information leading to the capture of Jose Almestica or John Burgos following their October 2025 escape.

While there have been public calls and community suggestions for a reward to be implemented—given Almestica’s history as a repeat escapee—law enforcement agencies have not yet publicly authorized a specific cash bounty for this current manhunt.

Current Reward & Tip Information

• Official Stance: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the U.S. Marshals Service are currently relying on public cooperation and investigative tactics.
• Anonymous Reporting: Crime Stoppers USVI and Crime Stoppers BVI allow for anonymous tips. While Crime Stoppers occasionally offers rewards for information leading to arrests, these are typically smaller amounts (often up to $2,500 or $5,000) unless a specific larger fund is sponsored by the government or a private donor.
• Past Context: The mention of a $50,000 figure may stem from historical rewards offered in other high-profile Caribbean cases (such as major murder investigations), but it has not been officially attached to the 2025-2026 search for Almestica.

Latest Manhunt Developments

• Intensified Patrols: Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool suspended all police leave through late 2025 to maximize the search effort.
• Investigation into the Escape: A UK-appointed security expert arrived in December 2025 to investigate how the breach at His Majesty’s Prison occurred.
• St. Thomas Connection: Because Almestica is a U.S. Virgin Islands citizen with significant history in St. Thomas, the U.S. Marshals and VIPD are actively monitoring ports and known associates in the territory.

⚠️ Warning: Authorities reiterate that Jose Almestica is extremely dangerous and has a history of high-level firearms and narcotics offenses. He should not be approached.

For matters regarding federal fugitives like John Burgos or Jose Almestica, you can reach the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of the Virgin Islands directly through their headquarters or via the national fugitive tip line.¹

Direct Contact Numbers

Ways to Submit a Tip Anonymously

If you have sensitive information and prefer to remain anonymous, you have several options:

1. USMS Tips App: You can download the USMS Tips app on your smartphone or use the web-based reporting tool.
2. Crime Stoppers USVI: Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). This is a non-governmental organization that works closely with the Marshals and VIPD.
3. 911: If you have an immediate sighting, please call 911 first, as they can dispatch the nearest tactical unit or local police immediately.

Physical Address (St. Thomas)

The U.S. Marshals headquarters for the District of the Virgin Islands is located at:

Ron de Lugo Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

5500 Veterans Drive

St. Thomas, VI 00801

Important: Both Burgos and Almestica are considered armed and dangerous. Do not attempt to engage or follow them yourself; provide the location, description, and any vehicle information to the authorities via the numbers above.

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.