Crime
St. Croix Assault: Woman Tased and Arrested After Striking Cousin Amid Police Intervention

In a recent incident on St. Croix, a heated altercation escalated to violence, leading to one woman being tased and arrested as police intervened. The woman now faces felony assault charges in court.
The saga unfolded last Thursday when officers raced to an apartment in Lorraine Village following reports of an ongoing physical altercation. Upon arrival, they encountered a visibly distressed woman bearing scratches and bruises on her neck. She directed the officers to Building 11, alleging that her attacker was inside one of the units.
As they approached, another woman, identified as Martha Melendez, emerged from the said building. Defiantly, she declared her lack of fear for the police before landing a punch on the other woman’s face. As the skirmish ensued, an officer deployed his taser. Though the first attempt missed, the second found its mark, bringing Melendez to the ground.
With Melendez subdued, officers were able to restore calm and ascertain the root of the discord. It emerged that the two women, cousins and co-habitants, clashed over a domestic disagreement. The altercation spiraled out of control when one unplugged a fan, leading to a fierce reaction from Melendez who allegedly assaulted her cousin.
The victim, complaining of neck pain, was whisked away to Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical attention, including the removal of a taser prong. Meanwhile, Melendez was escorted to the Wilbur H. Francis Command police station. Initially declining medical help, she narrated her version of events, claiming she was attacked first after a minor disagreement over a fan turned violent.
Regardless of her claims, the court has charged Melendez with second-degree assault, simple assault and battery, domestic violence, and disturbance of the peace. She awaits her next court appearance on October 18, following a preliminary hearing where Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross upheld the charges, setting bail at $1000, with a 10 percent plus $1 cash provision, which was promptly paid.
The incident casts a spotlight on domestic disputes and their potential to escalate, underscoring the crucial role of law enforcement in maintaining peace and order.
Crime
Wahilli James Sentenced for Role in RICO Enterprise Led by Incarcerated Paul Girard

In a significant development, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands announced the sentencing of Wahilli James, aged 28, to a six-year prison term for his involvement in a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), masterminded by Paul Girard from his prison cell.
U.S. Attorney Delia Smith, who made the announcement, detailed James’s admission of guilt in two high-stakes armed robberies. These crimes occurred in St. Thomas and St. Croix, orchestrated as part of the Girard-led RICO enterprise.
Court records revealed a chilling account of the first incident on September 16, 2013. James, alongside accomplices, targeted Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry in St Thomas. The group executed a harrowing heist, with an assailant threatening the owner at gunpoint while James and the others looted a significant cache of jewelry.
The second incident, on November 21, 2013, saw James and his cohorts striking “They Say Bar” in St. Croix. Disguised with face masks and armed, they conducted the robbery. Tragically, during this event, the bar’s owner suffered a gunshot wound to the head from one of the robbers while attempting to thwart their entry.
Judge Savage, acknowledging James’s time already served, adjusted his 72-month sentence accordingly. Additionally, James is mandated to compensate $161,350.00 in restitution.
This case, a result of diligent efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards, along with Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Marie Zisa of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
The successful resolution of this case is part of the broader strategy of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. This program aims to neutralize high-level criminal threats including drug trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational criminal activities by employing a comprehensive, multi-agency, intelligence-driven approach. The OCDETF program unifies the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat these sophisticated criminal networks.
Crime
VIPD Apprehends Two Suspects Following Vehicle Chase and Shooting; Search for Third Suspect Underway

ST. THOMAS – In a swift response to a 911 alert, VIPD officers engaged in a high-speed chase on Thursday afternoon in St. Thomas, following a report of a vehicle being driven recklessly by three masked individuals.
Beginning around 3:04 p.m. near Judy Gomez Highway in the Altona & Welgunst vicinity, the pursuit involved a vehicle reported as stolen. VIPD quickly mobilized after receiving a call about the vehicle’s hazardous driving.
The chase progressed to the Mafolie region, where the suspects, attempting to escape, drove the stolen car through a police checkpoint, resulting in damage to two vehicles, the VIPD informed the Consortium.
The situation intensified near Louisenhoj Castle, where shots were fired at the officers in pursuit, as confirmed by Glen Dratte, the VIPD Director of Communications. Subsequently, a male with a gunshot wound, identified as one of the suspects, was found in a nearby yard. He was apprehended by VIPD and received medical attention at Schneider Regional Medical Center.
The incident also led to the capture of a second suspect, who was likewise hospitalized for treatment. VIPD is actively searching for the third suspect, believed to be in the Hull Bay area.
The police have described the ongoing situation as dynamic and continue to work diligently. They are encouraging residents to stay alert and report any unusual activities in their neighborhoods to 911.
Updates on this evolving situation will be provided as they become available, ensuring the community stays informed.
Crime
Passenger Detained for Marijuana Possession at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport

In a recent incident at St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, Rayjon Ali faces serious legal consequences for attempting to transport marijuana. This case unfolded on the evening of December 3, when Ali, arriving on a Spirit Airlines flight from Philadelphia with a stopover in Fort Lauderdale, was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
The detection of the drugs was aided by narcotics-sniffing dogs, which signaled the presence of a controlled substance in a hardshell suitcase tagged to Ali. Upon inspection in a secondary area by CBP officers, Ali’s suitcase was found to contain $3,310 in U.S. currency and three bags of a green leafy substance. This substance later tested positive for marijuana, weighing in at 957 grams.
Ali, during a preliminary interview with a Department of Homeland Security Special Agent, admitted his awareness of the wrongdoing but claimed his motive was to earn money quickly. Despite this initial admission, he refrained from giving an official statement. Consequently, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The subsequent legal proceedings, including Ali’s advice of rights hearing, were presided over by Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross. During this hearing, a bail with a cash component of $750 was set. Further details of the hearing and the case are pending public release.
-
Education4 months ago
CTE Board Enthusiastic About New Curriculum Standards, Yet Anxious Over Apprenticeship Support
-
Crime2 months ago
St. John’s Westin Resort Scene of Armed Robbery, Prompting Heightened Police Vigilance
-
Crime4 months ago
Registered Sex Offender Detained for Illegal Firearm Possession During Annual Surveillance Drive
-
Crime4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands Alert: Megan Smith Goes Missing; Authorities Request Community Aid
-
Crime4 months ago
Unraveling the Home Invasion in St. John: Suspect Held on $100,000 Bail
-
Health4 months ago
Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Announces Temporary Visitation Restriction for August 20, 2023
-
Accidents4 months ago
Tragic Collision on Queen Mary Highway: VIPD Reveals Victim’s Identity
-
Sports4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Delegation Confirmed for World Athletics Championships in Budapest