Crime/Police
Former Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard To Plead Guilty To Drug Trafficking
Co-Accused Former Premier Andrew Fahie Prepares For Trial
Former British Virgin Islands Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard who is charged with drug trafficking and money laundering in the United States has filed a motion to plead guilty on June 12.
The change of plea document was filed on Tuesday, May 30 in a Miami Federal Court, just over a week after her son Kadeem Maynard, also known as “Blacka”, decided to plead guilty to the same charges.
His change of plea motion will also be heard on June 12 – prosecutors have until June 10 to submit their sentencing recommendations to the court for the male Maynard.
Both Maynards have been in federal custody since their arrest on April 28, which made global headlines.
The Maynards along with former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie are charged with conspiring to import more than five kilos of cocaine into the United States and conspiring to launder $700,000.
The female Maynard and Fahie were arrested at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Florida on April 28, 2022.
While thirty-two-year-old Kadeem was detained in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands and later deported to the United States mainland.
Fahie, the former First Electoral District Representative and chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, was granted one million dollars bail – $500,000 cash and $500,00 surety – and lives in his daughters’ two-bedroom apartment in Florida with an ankle monitor.
He is currently preparing for his trial.
Residents in the British Virgin Islands are closely following the case in which federal prosecutors told the judge that the trio had planned to use the territory as a transit point for trafficking drugs and potentially guns to the United States mainland.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
Crime/Police
Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
Crime/Police
K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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