Crime/Police
Police Sergeant Cleared of All Charges in High-Profile Case
Police Sergeant Lenroy Samuel was acquitted of charges of Obstructing the Course of Justice and Breach of Trust on Tuesday, December 3. Justice Stanley John instructed a jury to deliver not guilty verdicts on both counts, bringing an end to the three-year legal ordeal for the officer.
“You are discharged,” Justice John told Samuel shortly before noon, marking his formal release from the charges that had loomed over him since his 2021 arrest.
The allegations stemmed from a 2020 incident in which Samuel was accused of communicating with a detainee and the detainee’s sister, allegedly resulting in the disappearance of a cellphone belonging to the person in custody. Samuel was arrested nearly a year after the incident.
The trial opened Tuesday morning in the High Court, beginning with the selection of a nine-member jury and two alternates. However, proceedings took a dramatic turn when defense attorney Stephen Daniels argued that evidence central to the prosecution’s case had been improperly obtained.
In a preliminary hearing without the jury present, Daniels contended that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) had failed to secure warrants for critical evidence, including Samuel’s phone records, CCTV footage, and telecommunications data, from the High Court as required by law. Instead, the warrants had been issued by the Magistrate’s Court, a procedural error that Daniels argued invalidated the evidence.
Senior Crown Counsel Sherman MacNicols, representing the prosecution, conceded the error but urged the court to allow the evidence to stand due to the nature of the allegations. However, Justice John was unpersuaded.
“I don’t think this is a case I can step out of the box,” the judge remarked, rejecting the prosecution’s argument.
The exclusion of the improperly obtained evidence proved decisive. The prosecution admitted they could not proceed without it, as it underpinned testimony from two key witnesses.
With the jury recalled, Justice John explained the circumstances and directed them to return not guilty verdicts on both charges. Samuel, a long-serving officer, walked out of court a free man, with the case against him effectively dismantled.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.
According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.
Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.
The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.
“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.
The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.
Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”
The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.
For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.
Contact information for tips:
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Intelligence Unit: 284-368-9339
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Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 808-477-TIPS or 284-800-877-8477
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has intensified its search for a suspect known as “Small Brent,” wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Nyron Erickson.
Authorities released additional images of the suspect, emphasising distinctive tattoos that could aid in his identification. The RVIPF has warned that Small Brent is considered armed and extremely dangerous, urging the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
Those with information on his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the RVIPF at 368-9339, 311, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or (284) 800-8477.
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Crime/Police
Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Armed and Dangerous Fugitive Known as ‘Small Brent’
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive known as “Small Brent,” who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The suspect, identified as John Dawn Emmanuel, is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent murder in the British Virgin Islands. Police believe Emmanuel also has ties to violent crimes in Trinidad and Tobago, including kidnapping, extortion, and multiple murders, making him a significant threat to public safety.
Authorities warn that Emmanuel may still be using a previous alias, Brent Dain Danglade, and could have access to identification or travel documents under that name.
In a statement, the RVIPF cautioned, “Anyone found to be harboring, facilitating, or assisting this suspect will face the full force of the law.”
Residents are urged to secure their homes, vehicles, and boats to prevent this individual from using their property as a means of escape or concealment.
The RVIPF continues to work closely with regional and international law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend Emmanuel.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
“Your safety is our priority,” the statement added. “Please allow trained law enforcement officers to handle the situation.”
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