Crime/Police
Nyron Erickson accused of Trafficking illegal guns, drugs and collecting proceeds of criminal conduct between Jan – Dec 2021 while incarcerated
Charges laid indictable, Defence Lawyer Argue for Bail
The twenty charges Nyron Erickson now faces in the British Virgin Islands surround alleged involvement of guns, drugs and money crimes perpetrated between January – December 2021 via phone communication with Jose Almestica who was a fugitive in the territory at the time. This was revealed by Crown Prosecutor Khadija Beddeau in the Magistrate Court today, September 25, 2023.
Accompanied by police officers, a handcuffed Erickson was brought to the High Court Building located at the upper flat of the House of Assembly building in Road Town, Tortola for a virtual appearance before Senior Magistrate Senior Magistrate Tamia Richard.
The court heard that following the arrest of Almestica on December 7, 2021 investigations found phone evidence of communications between the two detailing instructions and confirmations of multiple illegal activities between January – December 2021.
During the bail application, Erickson’s lawyer, Valerie Stephens-Gordon, contended that despite being in custody for more than two years, the 31-year-old resident of West End, Tortola, was not informed of any of the allegations. Additionally, she argued that he poses no risk of fleeing and does not require police protection.
However, Crown Prosecutor Beddeau asked the court to refuse bail for Erickson, highlighting the presence of evidence supporting the 20 charges against him, ranging from possessing a prohibited weapon, unlawfully possessing a firearm without a licence, possessing a controlled substance with the intention to distribute, Possessing Cannabis with intent to supply, possession of proceeds from criminal activities and Possession of Forge Currency Notes.
Beddeau revealed that a cell phone confiscated from Erickson while he was at Balsam Ghut also contained evidence of communication between him and murder accused Jose Almestica.
Almestica, who had escaped from prison in 2017 after Hurricane Irma and was recaptured on December 7, 2021, and later charged with the murder of Deverson Williams in addition to similar charges now slapped on Erickson.
Williams was shot multiple times while driving on Fish Bay Road during daylight hours on March 16, 2021.
Erickson’s lawyer further submitted that the police have displayed an element of vindictiveness in the Prosecution objecting to bail, pointing out that other defendants involved in the Almestica cell phone case were granted pretrial liberty.
After a short break, the court was informed that due to the highly sensible nature of further submissions the Prosecution needed to present to support objecting to bail, the court was taken in-camera barring the submissions from going public.
On February 27, Erickson was extradited to the United States Virgin Islands after unsuccessful appeals in the local Court of Appeal and in the United Kingdom Privy Council.
He was charged with conspiracy to launder monetary funds from outside the United States and unlawfully transporting the funds into the United States. After six months in federal custody, prosecutors dismissed the case against him.
On September 20, Erickson was arrested in Road Town by local authorities as he stepped off the ferry from the United States Virgin Islands.
Following a series of arguments that lasted more than an hour, the media was barred from the proceedings due to the Crown Prosecutor’s submission that sensitive information would be disclosed in the court.
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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