Fiscal general said violations of emergency orders in U.S. Virgin Islands could bring criminal penalties

Attorney General Denise George said on April 7, 2020, that U.S. Virgin Islands residents who intentionally violated emergency executive orders and directives issued during the declared state of emergency could face criminal penalties, including arrest and prosecution under territorial law.

George said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, acting as incident commander, had authority to enforce health rules covering quarantine, isolation and other measures. She said people who knew they had the virus and intentionally violated directives issued by the health commissioner could be charged under Title 14 of the Virgin Islands Code.

According to the statement, Title 14, subsection 886, provides that a person who willfully exposes himself or another person afflicted with a contagious or infectious disease in a public place or public way may be fined up to $200, imprisoned for up to one year, or both.

George also said territorial peace officers had been delegated to operate under the direction of the governor and the incident commander during the emergency. The statement cited Title 14, subsection 883, as providing that a person who disobeys the lawful orders of a police officer may be fined up to $200, imprisoned for up to one year, or both.

The statement said businesses operating outside the requirements of the executive orders could also face administrative fines from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and possible revocation of their business licenses.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/residentes-que-violen-las-ordenes-ejecutivas-y-las-directivas-podrian-enfrentar-consecuencias-penales-dice-la-fiscal-general/