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 confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Shemoi Carey, also known as “Fat Cat,” of Huntum’s Ghut. Carey was wanted in connection with the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt on November 8, 2024. He has been charged with Attempted Murder, Carrying an Unlicensed Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
As part of the investigation, two individuals were arrested on suspicion of assisting Carey. Both were interviewed and subsequently released pending further inquiries.
The RVIPF continues to search for a second suspect, 18-year-old K’Shawn Martin of Sand Box Road, and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about Martin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS), via international dialing at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Police have assured that all tips will remain strictly confidential.
Authorities also caution that aiding or harbouring wanted individuals is a criminal offense. Under Section 352 of the Criminal Code (Revised Edition 2013), individuals convicted of assisting an offender could face imprisonment for three to ten years.
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are investigating reports of gunfire in Hannah’s Estate late on the evening of January 8.
Responding swiftly to a report of shots fired, officers of RVIPF found evidence of damage to multiple vehicles and an apartment building in the area.
The investigation revealed what appeared to be bullet-related damage, but no physical evidence—such as projectiles or spent casings—was recovered from the scene, according to a police statement. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Residents of the affected apartment have received assistance from authorities, while investigators continue to comb through leads.
Community members are encouraged to share tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS), through international dialing at (284) 800-8477, or by contacting the RVIPF Intelligence Unit directly at 368-9339. Officials assured potential informants that all information would remain confidential.
Two masked men, armed and dangerous, were caught on surveillance footage storming a business establishment in Cane Garden Bay late last night, January 13.
The footage shows the duo brandishing what appear to be firearms as they made their way into the premises, sparking panic in the usually tranquil community.
In a separate incident reported in the same area, a prominent local businessman was attacked and beaten by bandits who demanded cash. Details about the extent of the injuries or the amount stolen remain unclear.
The back-to-back incidents have put business owners, employees, and residents on edge, with many calling for swift and decisive action from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Community members are urging authorities to deploy targeted strategies to address the recent surge in criminal activity, emphasising the need for an immediate crackdown on perpetrators to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the area.
Police have yet to release a formal statement.
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