Crime/Police
Guilty Verdict Stands in Andrew Fahie’s Trial
A Miami federal judge upheld the jury’s unanimous guilty verdicts, leaving former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie vulnerable to a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison on the primary charge of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States through the British territory.
Fahie, 53, was also found guilty of three additional charges related to money laundering and racketeering. His sentencing is scheduled for April 29.
The controversy arose when two jurors contacted the judge’s office shortly after the guilty verdict, expressing second thoughts about their decision. Despite arguments from both federal prosecutors and defense attorneys, Judge Williams ultimately upheld the unanimous verdicts, citing legal precedent.
Of particular concern to the judge was the interaction between one juror and Fahie’s defense attorney, raising questions about potential outside influence on the jury’s deliberations. This conversation, along with other attempts at contact from the same juror, became part of the post-verdict dispute.
Fahie’s arrest in April 2022 following a DEA sting operation marked the beginning of a legal saga that culminated in his conviction.
Prosecutors portrayed Fahie as a corrupt official who conspired to allow cocaine to pass through the British Virgin Islands in exchange for bribes, while Fahie’s defense argued he was framed by the United Kingdom.
Despite Fahie’s defense, evidence presented during the trial implicated him in the drug trafficking scheme orchestrated by the DEA informant posing as a member of the Sinaloa cartel. Fahie’s sentencing will bring an end to a tumultuous chapter in the political landscape of the British Virgin Islands.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of Fahie’s conviction reverberate through the Caribbean, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of corruption and drug trafficking in the region.
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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