Category: St. Thomas News

Woman Trying To Grab Quick Fast Food Breakfast Gets Gold Chain Snatched Instead

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 25, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A woman who went to a fast food restaurant hoping to grab a quick breakfast on the go before work — had her gold chain around her neck snatched instead.

Officers were dispatched to Nisky Shopping Center in Charlotte Amalie West in reference to a robbery at 10:27 a.m. Monday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

Officers arrived and spoke with the victim who stated that she came out of Subway Restaurant located in Nisky Shopping Center, when a Black male asked her for her money, according to the VIPD.

“The victim further stated that she told the male individual she does not any have money, and the suspect snatched her Gucci gold chain from her neck valued at $1,500,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at about 6:00 p.m., the Criminal Investigation Bureau reviewed surveillance from Subway which showed a positive ID of Koi Thomas who was known by several Virgin Islands Police Officers, according to Dratte.

Detectives of the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to a tip that the suspect for a robbery was standing around Fort Mylner area of the coconut man.

Koi Thomas was apprehended by VIPD Officers and placed under arrest for third-degree robbery, police said.

Bail for Thomas was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice-of-rights hearing.

Meanwhile, people on social media had little patience for the accused petty criminal.

“He is always walking around pretending to be crazy. He’ll interfere with someone who will do him serious harm. It is not worth anyone’s time to go to jail for a government child,” Garfield Deborah said from Sion Farm.

“Another Idiot.Book him Dano!!!!!” Avis Ronan said on Facebook.

This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Any information regarding this incident is urged to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Chief Office or you can contact Detective Brian Bedminster at 340-774-2211 ext. 5573 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.

Tags Nisky Shopping Center, Subway Restaurant, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)

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Police Were Waiting For Attempted Murder Suspect Near His Home After BOLO Issued

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 24, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — CIB detectives were waiting for Cuthbert Dabrio, Jr. near his residence in Contant area after a wanted poster was issued for his arrest in connection to a shooting incident this weekend.

Two male victims were shot Saturday in Subbase and sustained serious injuries to their leg, shoulder, chest and spine, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

Cuthbert Dabrio, Jr. was then taken into custody and transported to the Alexander Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex, according to the VIPD.

Dabrio, 20, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and charged with first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, third-degree assault, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, first-degree reckless endangerment, mayhem, second-degree reckless endangerment in connection to the shooting, VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.

Dabrio was booked, processed, and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending his Advice of Right Hearing. Bail was set at $200,000.00 by order of the Magistrate Court of the Virgin Islands.

“There a was witness who came forward, and it takes a community’s effort to fight crime,” St. Thomas/St. John Acting Chief Clayton Brown said. “We cannot do this by ourselves, we do need the help of the public and we appreciate it very much.”

This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to contact 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau Det. S. Rhymer at 340-774-2211 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Tags Estate Contant, St. Thomas Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB-STT), Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)

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Contant Man Wanted For Attempted Murder Captured By Police: VIPD

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 24, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man wanted for attempted murder was captured by police on Monday, authorities said.

Cuthbert Dabrio, 21, of Contant, was apprehended by the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, according to CIB Supervisor Sgt. Dwight Griffith.

“The CIB is asking for your assistance flushing this suspect out,” police said on Facebook. “Your immediate distribution is much appreciated. See flyer and photo attached.”

Dabrio is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree robbery in connection to an incident that occurred on May 21, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

If you have information about this or any other crime, please contact police at 340-774-2211, 911, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Tags Estate Contant, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)

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UVI Hosts USVI-BVI Mangrove Restoration Learning Exchange

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 24, 2022

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) hosted a mangrove restoration learning exchange with individuals from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The exchange is the first of two that will bring researchers and students together in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the BVI to learn from each other about mangrove restoration techniques. The exchange is funded by the Virgin Islands Community Foundation’s Judith A. Towle Fund.

Faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students attended the exchange which included a tour of UVI’s new, land-based mangrove and coral nurseries, a visit to a newly restored mangrove site at Range Cay, a tour of the University’s Environmental Analysis Lab, and a site visit to the St. Thomas East End Reserves, a marine protected area and potential future mangrove restoration site.

The exchange was led by UVI Assistant Professor, Kristin Wilson Grimes; UVI Watershed and Marine Specialist, Allie Durdall; and Head of Marine and Maritime Studies at the Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) at the HLCC, Susan Zaluski. Grimes leads a group dedicated to growing restoration, research, outreach, and education of the territory’s mangroves (GRROE U.S. Virgin Island Mangroves). The nursery has grown over 5,000 mangroves for restoration since its establishment in the spring of 2021 in St. Thomas, USVI.

In the BVI, Susan Zaluski and students grow mangroves at three nurseries on Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Anegada. “Growing this collaboration and engaging communities across the Caribbean, makes restoration more efficient, effective, and fun, by sharing our successes and learning through failures,” Grimes said.

“The BVI learning exchange was such a refreshing way to learn about all of the great things they’ve been doing in their nursery and it was a nice opportunity to network and exchange information,” student Kayla Halliday said. “I am excited to visit their nursery in person, soon.”

For the next phase of the learning exchange, Grimes and her team will visit the HLCC nursery.

To learn more about mangrove research in the USVI, visit https://viepscor.org/r2r-mangroves or follow the GRROE team on instagram at: grroe.usvi.mangroves

Tags H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLCC), University of the Virgin Islands (UVI)

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Human Services Pauses In-Person Senior ID Services Until June 6

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 24, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, Information and Referral (I&R) Senior Identification Document (ID) Program is pausing in-person services as of Tuesday, May 24, 2022. DHS will resume in-person Senior ID services on Monday, June 06, 2022, territory-wide.

The Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, to protect health and safety of our staff and senior clients during this time of increased COVID positivity rates, will accept telephone calls to schedule appointments. Seniors are especially vulnerable to the COVID virus, and we prefer to pause services for the next two weeks as a precautionary measure.

Seniors 60 years of age and older qualify to receive a Senior ID Card from the Department of Human Services. Once seniors are given scheduled appointment dates, they will need to bring with them supporting documents to verify age such as a birth certificate, passport or other government issued l valid ID and proof of residency such as a utility bill, property tax statement, or rental lease/deed. DHS
reminds senior citizens that Senior IDs are now free. In line with Governor Bryan’s Senior Citizens Health and Wellness initiative “Live Your Best Life by Aging Your Way,” the fee for the Senior I.D. has been waived, and the I.D. will be valid for a period of five (5) years.

As a reminder these services are by appointment only and for the health and safety of all, COVID prevention and safety protocols must be adhered to. Masks are required when entering the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs and will only be allowed to be removed when taking pictures for the Senior IDs.

Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez encourages all who are eligible for a Senior ID card to make an appointment as the DHS Senior ID cards can be used to obtain valuable discounts in grocery stores, pharmacies, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Lt. Governor’s Property Tax Office, and several other locations throughout the territory.

For more information about the Senior ID Program or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Department of Human Services at the following phone numbers:
• St. Croix – (340) 772-7148 – Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, 1401 Mars Hill Frederiksted, St. Croix
• St. Thomas (340) 774-0930 ex.t 4018 – Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, 1303 Hospital Ground, STE 1 St. Thomas
• St. John (340) 776-6334 – St. John DHS Multipurpose Center, Cruz Bay, St. John
For general information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs).
The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs.
In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through nonjudgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website,
www.dhs.gov.vi for more information

Tags Senior Citizen News, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS)

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Jif Peanut Butter Under Recall For Potential Salmonella Contamination

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 23, 2022

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections that is possibly linked to Jif peanut butter products.

The J.M. Smucker Company issued a voluntary recall for its creamy, crunchy, natural and reduced fat peanut butter products that were distributed nationwide, with lot code numbers 1274425 to 2140425, the FDA announced this weekend.

Currently, 14 people have reported illnesses and two of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations, according to data provided by the CDC.

“Five out of five people reported consuming peanut butter and four of the five people specifically reported consuming different varieties of Jif brand peanut butter prior to becoming ill,” the FDA said.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella itself is a bacteria, but the illness it causes is known as salmonellosis.

For many infected people, symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after contact and often include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, according to the FDA. Most people who are infected recover within four to seven days and do not need any treatment.

More serious and severe cases can occur, though, so the FDA recommends contacting your health care provider if you believe you have been infected.

Several varieties of peanut butter are being recalled nationwide

The J. M. Smucker Co. said the peanut butter it is recalling was distributed in retail stores and other outlets throughout the country. It includes creamy, crunchy and natural varieties, along with many others.

The recalled products have lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425 and include the numbers 425 for the 5th-7th digits. “425” in that position indicates that it was processed in the Lexington facility.

This information is usually printed on the back label of the jar. A list of recalled products and their numbers can be seen on the FDA’s website.

If you happen to have a jar included in the recall, you should throw it away immediately.

The FDA noted that the peanut butter has a two-year shelf life so consumers should check any Jif peanut butter already in their home.

After throwing the peanut butter out, the CDC recommends washing and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that might have come into contact with the peanut butter.

No word as yet from the local Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) as to whether the affected products were shipped to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA)

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2 Men Shot After Graduation Party At Nightclub To Be Airlifted For Treatment

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 23, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Police are investigating after two “males” arrived at the St. Thomas hospital at 3:30 a.m. with severe injuries from gunshot wounds, authorities said.

CIB Detectives spoke with two male (2) victims at the Schneider Regional Medical Center who stated that after attending a graduation function at Krush Night Club in Subbase, they were walking with friends towards their vehicle which was parked near Nisky Center, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

“They further stated, as they attempted to enter the vehicle a Black male individual approached them from the rear and fired several shots at them,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said. “The victims were struck several times about the body, and they were transported to Roy L. Schneider Regional Medical Center via private vehicles.”

The victims sustained numerous injuries to the leg, shoulder, chest, and spine during this incident, according to the VIPD.

“The attending ER Physician admitted the victims and explained that they may have to be airlifted stateside for further treatment,” according to Dratte.

This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to contact 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau Det. S. Rhymer at 340-774-2211 or Crime Stoppers USVI 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Tags Krush Nightclub, Nisky Shopping Center, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)

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Help Police Find Veronica Marcelin Missing On St. Thomas Since May 10: VIPD

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 21, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Police need your help to find a woman who has been missing for the last 11 days on St. Thomas.

Veronica Marcelin was last seen on May 10, 2022, at her residence at #200-8 Altona & Welgunst, St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

“Last known attire is unknown,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said, adding that “Ms. Marcelin has several tattoos about the body.”

https://twitter.com/VirginIslandsPD/status/1528061579199225856

Please contact the Major Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-642- 8449

Tags Altona and Welgunst, missing persons, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)

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Houston Woman Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 20, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Marvelous Eghage, 39, of Houston, Texas pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Monday.

According to court documents, between February 26, 2018, and March 13, 2018, Eghage devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses and promises directed to third parties.

Through her fraudulent scheme, Eghage diverted funds from her victims to a bank account under her controlled by way of electronic wires and later withdrew or transferred the funds for her own personal benefit and the benefit of others.

Specifically, court documents show that on February 26, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator electronically transferred $25,400.00 to an account under Eghage’s control. These funds were fraudulently acquired through forged checks from the account of R.B.R.

On March 6, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator, fraudulently induced a representative of Colombia-based FDN to electronically transfer $34,965.00 to a Houston, Texas bank account under Eghage’s control.

On March 7, 2018, Eghage and a co-conspirator fraudulently induced N.D. to electronically
transfer approximately $48,000.00 to a Houston, Texas bank account controlled by Eghage.

On March 8, 2018, Eghage fraudulently induced M.R. to transfer money to a bank account under her control.

Lastly, on March 9, 2018, Eghage and a coconspirator fraudulently induced a representative of a law firm based in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to electronically transfer approximately $108,637.00 to a Houston, Texas bank account under Eghage’s control.

Eghage used email communications to induce her victims into her fraudulent scheme. Eghage faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.00.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard Potter.

Tags Banking News, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

At VIFreep Breaking News Crime News National News Police News St. Thomas News U.S. Department of Justice

South Carolina Man Arrested At CEK Airport Based On Outstanding Warrant

Post author By John McCarthy
Post date May 20, 2022

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A South Carolina man made his initial appearance in St. Thomas before a federal judge after his arrest based on fugitive-from-justice charges from the U.S. mainland, authorities said.

Maurice Eugene Tucker, 35, of Columbia, heard from U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller that he is currently wanted for illegal weapon possession in South Carolina, U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith said.

Tucker was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond and other conditions to allow him to return to Columbia, South Carolina for further court proceedings.

According to court documents, on May 4, 2021, a South Carolina grand jury returned an indictment charging Tucker with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On May 15, 2022, Tucker was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Cyril E. King Airport after he appeared for primary inspection before boarding a flight to the mainland.

Thereafter, Tucker was arrested and taken into custody by officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department.

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the
District of South Carolina.

United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt.

Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Tags Cyril E. King Airport (CEKA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)