Crime/Police
Omari Roberts Granted $100,000 Bail in Firearms and Explosives Case
Palestina Estate resident, Omari Roberts, aged 27, was granted bail in the amount of $100,000.00 with one signed surety when he appeared virtually before Magistrate Jack Husbands at the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, October 10.
This followed an operation conducted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on Friday, October 6, where two assault rifles and a significant quantity of assorted ammunition were seized.
Roberts was subsequently charged with Keeping a Prohibited Firearm without a License and three counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives. Initially, Senior Crown Counsel Khadija Beddeau objected to bail. However, after Magistrate Husbands expressed his intention to consider bail, Beddeau suggested a bail amount of $1 million. Eventually, bail was set at $100,000.00 based on the recommendation of Roberts’ lawyer, Stephen R. Daniels.
Beddeau objected to bail on the grounds that Roberts had two prior convictions, including a fine of $500.00 for Possession of Explosives on May 25, 2022. She also mentioned that Roberts had a history of committing offenses while on bail, citing a pending matter for Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. Additionally, Beddeau expressed concerns that Roberts may interfere with the ongoing investigations.
In response, Daniels argued that his client, who is involved in the trucking business and has three minor children, was unlawfully arrested and charged. He stated that during the search of Roberts’ apartment on October 6, 2023, no incriminating evidence was found. Daniels also claimed that Roberts was made to wait while the police obtained a warrant to search another apartment, which did not belong to his client. It was in this other apartment that the firearms and ammunition were allegedly discovered, yet only Roberts was charged.
Beddeau further proposed a surety of $1 million if bail were to be considered. However, Magistrate Husbands questioned the seriousness of this amount, to which Beddeau responded that she was following instructions but acknowledged the court’s position.
In addition to the bail amount, Roberts was required to surrender his passport, refrain from applying for any new travel documents, and report to the Road Town Police Station three times a week.
A stabbing incident that occurred on May 12 at His Majesty’s Prison, resulted in inmate Shakeel Ryan being transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, another individual has been apprehended and is currently being questioned at the Road Town Police Station.
Ryan, who is incarcerated for conspiracy to murder, remained hospitalised at the time of publication.
Circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The East End Police Station, previously closed due to ongoing sewerage works, is set to reopen its doors today, Friday, May 3.
The closure had been necessitated by sewerage works conducted by the Government of the Virgin Islands in the station’s parking lot.
Despite the station’s closure, law enforcement services in the East End district remained uninterrupted, with officers maintaining 24/7 patrols to ensure community safety. Residents were encouraged to contact officers directly at 368-9704 for immediate assistance or to report emergencies.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this time,” stated a spokesperson for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
With the reopening of the East End Police Station, residents can once again rely on the presence of local law enforcement for their safety and security needs.
Following a tip-off received on Thursday, April 25th, the Department of Immigration has activated a coordinated effort to locate suspected illegal migrants, with Peter Island emerging as a focal point in the ongoing investigation.
Prompted by this information, the Department of Immigration engaged HM Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to form a Joint Task Force. Their collaborative efforts have been directed towards Peter Island, where two Indian nationals have already been apprehended. However, it is suspected that additional migrants, possibly of various nationalities, remain at large on the island.
Members of the Joint Task Force are committed to thoroughly conducting searches, not only on Peter Island but also across other potential locations, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the remaining migrants.
Anyone with relevant information should contact the Department of Immigration at 468-4705, 468-4717, 468-4754, or the RVIPF at 311.
Virgin Islands Set for Crown Land Management Overhaul with New Legislation
Stabbing Incident Leaves Inmate Injured at His Majesty’s Prison
Virgin Islands Responds to Flash Flood Emergency: Governor Pruce Leads Recovery Efforts
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoMultiple Airports Targeted in Bomb Threats: RVIPF Investigates Coordinated Attacks
-
Local News1 week agoHeavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Warning in British Virgin Islands
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoCiboney School of Excellence is the Primary School Foreign Language Bowl Champions
-
Local News1 week agoHeavy Rains Damage Retaining Wall at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate
-
Uncategorized7 days agoNew Immigration Bill Aims to Clarify Residence and Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoRecords Management Centre Showcases Vital Role in Preserving History
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoLesmore Smith’s Ghostingyou Gallops to Victory St. Thomas USVI Governor’s Cup
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoEast End Police Station Reopens After Temporary Closure