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The Risks and Consequences of Smuggling Illegal Firearm Components: A Case Study from St. Croix

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In a recent development highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal firearm component trafficking, a case from St. Croix has drawn significant attention. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands, led by Delia Smith, has successfully prosecuted a case involving the smuggling of machinegun conversion kits, a concerning trend in firearm-related crimes.

The case centered on a 33-year-old individual who was caught attempting to smuggle illegal firearm components, including devices known as “Glock Switches.” These components are particularly alarming due to their ability to transform standard semi-automatic Glock pistols into fully automatic weapons, significantly increasing their lethality.

The interception of these components at the Henry Rohlsen Airport by Customs and Border Patrol officers underscores the vigilance required at points of entry to stem the flow of such illegal items. The components, hidden in luggage, included not only the Glock Switches but also pistols, various pistol components, and ammunition, showcasing the diverse nature of smuggling operations.

This case was thoroughly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, reflecting the collaborative effort needed to address such sophisticated smuggling operations. The prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye, resulted in a 38-month prison sentence for the individual involved, following a guilty plea for possession of a machine gun.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating the illegal trade of firearm components. The ability of such components to enhance the firepower of standard weapons poses a significant threat to public safety. The successful interception and prosecution in this case demonstrate the effectiveness of vigilant border security and the legal system’s role in deterring such criminal activities.

Through this case study from St. Croix, it’s evident that the issue of illegal firearm component smuggling is not just a local problem but a global concern. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, international cooperation, and stringent law enforcement to safeguard communities against the dangers posed by illegally modified firearms.

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Crime

Wahilli James Sentenced for Role in RICO Enterprise Led by Incarcerated Paul Girard

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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.

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VIPD Apprehends Two Suspects Following Vehicle Chase and Shooting; Search for Third Suspect Underway

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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.

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Crime

Passenger Detained for Marijuana Possession at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport

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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.

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