Crime/Police
Cordell O’Neal Allegedly Takes The Rap For Ammo In Vehicle
Cordell O’Neal, one of three men arrested last week near Sol Gas Station in Tortola, allegedly admitted ownership of the illegal ammunition officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) alleged they found in the vehicle he and the two others were travelling in on September 20.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on September 25 during a virtual court session told the court that the older O’Neal, of Fresh Water Pond, Tortola, admitted to police officers on September 20 that: “Whatever you found in the bag belongs to me, that’s all I can tell you.” During an interview while in custody.
However, the 38-year-old pleaded not guilty today when the charge was put to him by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. He is charged along with his younger brother Kanmi O’Neal, 34, of Pockwood Pond, and Jelani Christopher, 31, of Cane Garden Bay both of whom also pleaded not guilty.
The trio was detained shortly after 8 p.m. on September 20 when police acting on intelligence, stopped and searched their vehicle a short distance from the Road Town Police Station.
A bag containing a loaded magazine with 31 rounds of high-velocity ammunition was found. The men were charged with possession of explosives and remanded to His Majesty’s Prison.
Today, they were granted $20,000 bail each with one signed surety each. They have to report to the Road Town Police Station three days per week and have no contact with witnesses. Their next court date is November 9.
A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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