Crime/Police

High court awards man over 30k for unlawful search, malicious prosecution

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2023

Editor

(JTV News) – A man was awarded over $30,000 in damages by the High Court after he successfully sued the BVI Government through the Attorney General for unlawful search, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution in which police officers broke into his home, handcuffed him, and took his sleeping baby away from his lawful care in 2018, according to the court judgment published on February 23, 2023.

Judge Heather Felix-Evans ordered, in the judgment, that the claimant, Damion Morgan, be paid for unlawful search ($7,500), damages for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment ($20,000), damages for malicious prosecution $5,000 and nominal damages for legal fees ($1,500).

Morgan, who was represented by attorneys Jamal Smith and Crystal McKenzie, was slated to receive pre-judgment interest on the global sum from August 6, 2018, to the date of judgment at a rate of three percent per year, in addition to the statutory interest of five percent per annum –from the date of judgment until payment in full and prescribed costs.

According to court records, an argument that developed between Morgan and his baby’s mother, Chrystal Mitchell, at his home, stemmed from an earlier incident in which he reportedly took the child away from Mitchell’s friend at the Festival Village in Road Town — sometime around midnight on August 5, 2018 — and brought the child back to his home in Harrigan Estate.

It is reported that the claimant (Morgan) prevented Mitchell from entering his home when she arrived to collect the baby. It is further reported that Morgan told his baby’s mother that she would be able to get the child the next morning because the baby is sleeping.

The child’s mother however reported the matter to the police who showed up at Morgan’s home and forced themselves then handcuffed him. The lawmen, who claimed to have called out to him, then took the sleeping baby and brought it to Mitchell.

The incident was witnessed by the claimant’s brother and his brother’s girlfriend, according to court records.

Morgan was charged at the Road Town Police Station with common assault against his baby’s mother and released later that day.

According to court records, Morgan said the allegation about a fight that occurred between him and his baby’s mother at his home, the night she came for their child ,were not true.

Court records show that police told Morgan that they did not have a warrant to enter his home and boasted that they did not need one and they would show him how the laws work.

Morgan also denied hearing sirens from the police and calls by the officers for him to open the door when they arrived at his home. In addition, court records indicate that the lawmen had no court order to take the baby from his lawful care.

Though Morgan was brought before the Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges, the matter was discontinued about 14 months later by the prosecution.

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Crime/Police

BVI Sees Spike in Property Damage, Vehicle Thefts, and Assaults in Early 2025

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.

According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.

Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”

The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.

The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.

Crime/Police

Two Masked Men Arrested Outside BVI Bank; Guns and Ammunition Seized, Police Say

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2025

Editor

A early-morning police operation led to the arrest of two masked men and the seizure of a firearm with multiple rounds of ammunition outside a popular bank in the British Virgin Islands, authorities said Thursday.

Officers with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded around dawn to reports of two masked individuals near the bank. Police say the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly captured following a brief foot chase. A firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers’ decisive response, calling the operation “a clear example of our officers’ courage, dedication, and tactical skill.”

“Their quick actions may have prevented a more serious incident from occurring,” Vanterpool said, also thanking the public for their continued trust and support. “Every bit of information helps, and we urge anyone with knowledge that may assist this investigation to come forward.”

The suspects have not yet been identified publicly, and police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (locally) or (284) 800-8477 (from overseas).

Crime/Police

Crime in the Virgin Islands Drops to Five-Year Low

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2025

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.

According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.

Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.

Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.

Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”