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Crime/Police

BVI trafficker found guilty on lesser charges; cleared of smuggling charge

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(St. Thomas Source) — The trial of a British Virgin Islands man caught by a Customs patrol boat after a high-speed chase in Coral Bay, St. John, yielded two guilty verdicts. But the defendant in the case was cleared of the more serious charge of trying to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States.

Defendant Buney Chinnery and six others were taken into custody on the night of Oct. 31. Federal agents who were on board the Customs patrol boat that chased and stopped defendant Chinnery testified during the trial.

The trial began with jury selection on Feb. 21 and lasted two-and-a-half days. Customs Officer Eric Viergutz gave a detailed account of the Oct. 31 incident. Some of the passengers who made the trip from Tortola with Chinnery testified as well, including a Haitian immigrant who identified himself and Chinney from photos taken by the arresting officers.

Prosecutor Natasha Baker asked Viergutz why the patrol boat targeted the vessel that led to the arrest. The officer said the vessel was seen operating after dark without navigation lights. During the officer’s testimony, Baker played a digital recording taken by the patrol officers showing their attempts to order the vessel they spotted to stop.

Those attempts included patrol officers turning on the flashing blue lights mounted on their boat. Baker asked what the vessel operator — identified in photos as Chinnery — did when he saw the lights.

Viergutz said the boat captain turned his face away from the console of his boat and made eye contact with one of the officers. Then he moved his hand towards the throttle and took a sharp turn away from the patrol boat.

One of the passengers who testified at trial described the journey that led to his trip from Tortola to the United States, with Chinnery driving the vessel. Witness Willy Joseph said he left his home in Haiti and made his way to neighboring Dominican Republic, where he stayed for a while. In late October, he boarded a flight from the Dominican Republic to Tortola. Two days later, he boarded an empty van that made several stops, picking up passengers. The van came to a stop near a shoreline area, and the passengers got out.

Then, Joseph said, they met a man who led them to a motorboat. The witness identified that man as Chinnery after being shown a series of photos displayed to the jury.

Chief District Court Judge Robert Molloy turned the case over for deliberation on Friday. Jurors delivered their verdict later that day. Chinnery was convicted of failure to heave to, a maritime offense that makes it a crime to disobey a lawful order to stop a vessel.

He was also found guilty of making a false statement to a representative of the U.S. government. One witness appearing at trial said Chinnery misspelled his name when asked to identify himself. The witness also told the court the defendant claimed to be from St. John and was helping stranded boaters at the time they were captured.

But in the Friday verdict, jurors found the defendant not guilty of attempting to bring illegal immigrants into the United States on three separate counts.

The maximum penalty for making false statements is five years in prison. Chinnery also faces the possibility of paying a fine and serving up to five years in prison for failing to heave to when he is sentenced.

Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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Crime/Police

Spike in East End Burglaries Prompts RVIPF to Urge Heightened Security

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.

The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.

Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF

To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:

  1. Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
  2. Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
  3. Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
  4. Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.

“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”

Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).

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Crime/Police

Attempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill

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An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.

According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.

Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.

This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

 

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