Crime/Police
Wade Smith Wins Legal Battle Against Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards and CoP Mark Collins
All Seized Items to Be Returned
Former Customs Commissioner Wade Smith, who faced breach of trust charges in 2023, has won one of two judicial reviews brought before the High Court of the Virgin Islands against Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards and Commissioner of Police Mark Collins.
Judge Justice Sonya Young on April 24 delivered the decisive verdict, ruling that the search warrants executed at Smith’s residence in February 2023 was devoid of merit.
She also denounced the actions of the Senior Magistrate as unreasonable, unsupported, and unjustifiable.
The warrant, which was executed on February 14, 2023, resulted in the confiscation of Smith’s documents and belongings, including cell phones, as well as sensitive items such as the death certificates and funeral expenses of Smith’s parents.
In her ruling, Justice Young noted that the Senior Magistrate’s omission of an inter-party hearing, despite requests from Smith’s legal team, a procedural lapse that facilitated the return of the confiscated items.
Additionally, it came to light that Magistrate Richards instructed court personnel to seize communications between Smith and his legal advisors.
Justice Young stressed the warrant should have explicitly state the alleged offence and condemned the arbitrary confiscation of documents from Smith’s property.
She also ruled that the confiscated documents hold no relevance to the case at hand and consequently, all seized items are to be promptly returned to Smith.
The search was reported in the news and compelled Smith to resign from his position and be placed on administrative leave.
He Smiths is yet to have a High Court decision for the second Judicial Review, in this instance, its against the Governor, the Public Service Commission and the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Human Resources Manager.
The outcome of the second judicial review filed by Smith against the Governor xxxxxxx, the Public Service Commission, and the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Human Resources Manager xxxxxxxx, is still pending.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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.
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