Carlos Alexis Olivares-Taveras, 34, a national of the Dominican Republic who told investigators he unlawfully entered the United States from Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has been detained on federal charges of cocaine possession with intent to distribute and illegal entry, Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced, according to a report by the VI Consortium.

Olivares-Taveras was ordered detained Sept. 24, 2025, pending trial or until the defense requests a reopening of his detention hearing. His arrest followed a Sept. 22 operation on St. Thomas by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner law enforcement agencies, the VI Consortium reported.

According to court documents, HSI agents stopped a vehicle driven by Olivares-Taveras during an immigration enforcement operation. Agents reported seeing a white powdery substance in the driver’s side door panel. A search uncovered 11 baggies containing a substance that tested positive for cocaine and about $4,000 in U.S. currency.

During an interview, Olivares-Taveras admitted the cocaine and money were his and said he had entered the United States unlawfully in February 2025 by boat from Tortola to St. John without presenting himself at a port of entry, prosecutors said.

He is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and illegal entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1). The drug charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The case is being investigated by HSI and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro is prosecuting.

Authorities noted that a criminal complaint is an allegation and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Premier Wheatley expressed deep concern over the rise in crime and violence in the Territory, particularly the recent armed robbery of renowned artist Pressure by a group of young individuals.

Popular U.S. Virgin Islands artist, Pressure, was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning, March 16, after performing at the Black on Black concert, an event headlined by dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel. The incident occurred as Pressure and his entourage walked to their vehicle parked across from First Bank.

Surveillance footage obtained by JTV confirms the robbery, which took place around 3:26 am. The video, now in circulation, captures the moment two armed men exited a white SUV parked in front of the gated parking lot opposite First Bank. The assailants confronted Pressure and his entourage, causing most of the group to flee. One of the attackers then proceeded to rob Pressure, appearing to take what looked like his jewelry, before escaping the scene.

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The entire incident lasted about two minutes, after which the video ends with Pressure standing alone by the vehicle he was originally entering, appearing shaken but unharmed as the assailants made their getaway.

“It is unacceptable and highly regrettable that he and others went through this,” the Premier stated. “Crime and violence are not what we want as a society and certainly not the image we want to project to the world.”

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the past weekend was particularly active in terms of criminal activity.

Premier Wheatley reiterated the government’s commitment to working with law enforcement and the wider community to curb criminal activities. A Crime Summit is currently being planned to develop a coordinated response.

“For those individuals who insist on terrorising our community, the police will continue to pursue you vigorously,” he warned. “I also urge members of the public to assist law enforcement by sharing any information that may aid investigations.”

A man wanted in connection with an October 2024 homicide in St. Thomas has been extradited from the British Virgin Islands following a coordinated effort between the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Authorities confirmed that 32-year-old Demare A. Encarnacion was returned to St. Thomas on March 18, 2025, to face charges related to the fatal shooting of Cecil R. Scatliffe, 59.

The case dates back to October 13, 2024, when the 911 Emergency Call Center received an alert from the ShotSpotter Detection System at approximately 3:03 a.m., indicating multiple gunshots on Kronprindsens Gade. Responding officers discovered an unresponsive male with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced the victim deceased at the scene, later identifying him as Scatliffe.

An arrest warrant was issued for Encarnacion on October 17, 2024, charging him with first-degree murder. Authorities pursued the suspect for months until he voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Following his surrender, the RVIPF coordinated with VIPD and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to facilitate his transfer. On March 18, members of the VIPD’s Marine Unit traveled to Tortola, took Encarnacion into custody, and transported him back to St. Thomas. He was formally arrested and charged with murder in the first degree, with bail set at $1,000,000.

Officials have not disclosed further details regarding a potential motive or additional suspects. Encarnacion is expected to appear in court in the coming days.