WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Chisholm, together with Senior Litigation Counsel Howard Stewart of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Environmental Crimes Section, were awarded the Gold Medal for Exceptional Service today at the Ronald Reagan and International Trade Building. Chisholm, a 28-year

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Three South Americans and one Central American were charged in federal court today with drug smuggling in Caribbean waters patrolled by the United States, authorities said. Freddy Montano Paz, 29, Calixto Tumbaco, 41, Mariano Abregon, 42, and Hector Hernandez Saucedo, 48, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth

CHRISTIANSTED — Former St. Croix Senator Wayne James, who was found guilty by a federal jury of stealing public money, is saying in court that he wants a new trial. But prosecutors argue that he should have to serve the remainder of his 30-month prison sentence. “Former U.S. Virgin Islands

CHRISTIANSTED – A Texas drug mule who was to be paid only $1,500 for smuggling 20 pounds of marijuana from Dallas to St. Croix now faces five years in prison for her exploits, authorities said. Kieantia Thomas-Okeke, 38, of Dallas, pled guilty to one count of possession of marijuana with

Despite being the butt of many lawyer-themed jokes, maritime law is a real thing and it is a lot more convoluted than one would think. Most people think they’ll never have to worry about maritime law, it isn’t like the average person spends an extended period of time on a

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F Shappert said today that five members of the Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office (VI-USAO) were recognized this morning in Washington, D.C. at the 35th Annual Department of Justice Director’s Award Ceremony for their extraordinary service following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The award was

CHRISTIANSTED — St. Croix has been plagued with three cases involving arson in the last month and a half.  Another $10,000.00 REWARD is being offered by V.I. Paving for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the destruction, determined as arson, of a CAT 323FL Track

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man appeared before a federal magistrate to hear charges that he shipped cocaine from here through the U.S. mail disguised as cellophane candy. Kemo Riley, 42, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for preliminary and detention hearings after federal agents arrested him on

CHRISTIANSTED — The “partial privatization” of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority may represent the best opportunity for reliable and affordable service, Senator Kenneth Gittens said Friday.  The St. Croix Senator is calling for investigative hearings on WAPA so that legislators have an opportunity to chart the best course

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A federal Grand Jury returned an indictment against four people on money laundering related charges including one man from Florida and one man from the British Virgin Islands, authorities said. Akil Erickson, 26, of Orlando and Mikiel Robin, 21, of Road Town, Tortola and two others were charged