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 issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.
According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.
Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.
This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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