Crime/Police
August 21 For Sentencing – Oleanvine Maynard And Son Kadeem Guilty Of Conspiring To Import Cocaine Into The US
Ex-British Virgin Islands Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard and her son Kadeem Maynard will be sentenced on August 21 for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States
The Maynards struck a deal after spending more than a year in federal custody, agreeing to cooperate with federal prosecutors in their case against co-defendant former BVI Premier Andrew Fahie.
They face a mandatory minimum term of ten years by accepting a plea agreement. They avoided a possible life sentence for drug and money laundering charges which prosecutors declined to pursue as part of the confession deal.
Their change-of-plea hearings were held on Monday, June 12 in a Miami federal court.
The Maynards, along with the ex-BVI Finance Minister Fahie, were arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration Agents (DEA) on April 28, 2022 during a sting operation.
They were 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 detained at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Florida on April 28, 2022.
While thirty-two-year-old Kadeem Maynard was arrested in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, and later deported to the United States mainland.
The Maynards have been on remand since their detention, while ex-First Electoral District Representative and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party Fahie is currently on one million dollars bail – $500,000 cash and $500,000 surety – lives in his daughters’ two-bedroom apartment in Florida and wears an ankle monitor.
Fahie, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, is scheduled for trial on July 17.
Federal prosecutors said the trio had planned to import thousands of pounds of cocaine from Central American drug cartels into the United States using the territory’s ports.
Crime/Police
RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams
Crime/Police
Spike in East End Burglaries Prompts RVIPF to Urge Heightened Security
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:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- 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).
Crime/Police
Attempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill
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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