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.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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