Crime/Police
Legal Dilemma Arises After Jurors Disagree in British Virgin Islands Premier’s Drug-Trafficking Trial
Moments after 12 Miami federal jurors unanimously convicted former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie of a drug-trafficking conspiracy, two jurors approached U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to express dissent, claiming a change of heart regarding Fahie’s guilt.
Despite their objections, Judge Williams had already polled each juror on their unanimous guilty verdicts and discharged them. Fahie was subsequently found guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, along with three related charges of money laundering and racketeering.
Now, Judge Williams, federal prosecutors, and Fahie’s defense attorneys grapple with a legal quandary: Can the judge reconvene the jurors and re-poll them on their trial verdicts, given their discharge?
Such a move is typically impermissible without evidence of external pressure or discriminatory behavior within the jury. No such evidence has emerged in Fahie’s case, further complicating matters.
During a post-verdict hearing in Miami federal court, Judge Williams acknowledged the limited avenues for exploration. Federal prosecutors argued for adherence to the unanimous guilty verdicts, emphasizing that the jurors had been discharged unless there was a clear mistake on the verdict form.
Fahie’s defense lawyer, Theresa Van Vliet, urged the judge to re-poll the dissenting jurors, citing the significant implications for Fahie’s sentencing. Van Vliet also disclosed that one dissenting juror had left a voicemail message on her law firm’s phone, prompting further inquiry.
Judge Williams proposed that both sides listen to the voicemail recording privately and report back to her, directing them to file motions by Thursday to address the legal conundrum and propose potential solutions.
Fahie, arrested in April 2022 following a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sting operation, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life. Prosecutors portrayed Fahie as a willing participant in drug smuggling, alleging his involvement in bribery payments for access to the British territory.
Fahie’s defense team argued that he was framed by the United Kingdom and denied any intention of enriching himself through cocaine shipments. His sentencing is scheduled for April 29 before Judge Williams, as legal deliberations continue over the unusual circumstances surrounding his trial verdict.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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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