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.
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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