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.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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