A 17-year-old male has been formally charged in connection with a string of recent robberies, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced Thursday, February 6.

The RVIPF charged the teenager with multiple offenses, including two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, robbery, and possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a series of robberies over the weekend, during which police recovered an AR-15 rifle, a STRIBOG semi-automatic pistol, thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other individuals initially arrested in connection with the case have since been released from custody.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of minors in violent crime.

“The frequency with which we are seeing young individuals entangled in gun-related crime is deeply troubling,” Vanterpool said. “This trend is not only a threat to public safety but a stark reminder of the urgent need for community intervention. We must work together—law enforcement, families, and community leaders—to steer our young people away from crime and toward positive opportunities.”

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Information can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can contact (284) 800-8477.

Former police officer Harris Walters was sentenced to 32 months in prison today after being found guilty of two counts of assaulting a minor. Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards handed down the sentence nearly ten months after Walters’ conviction, ruling that both sentences will run concurrently.

The charges against Walters stem from incidents dating back to 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors detailed that the first assault occurred in 2014, involving a child with whom Walters had a parent-child relationship. The court further heard that in July 2015, while accompanying the child to a police station on one of the territory’s sister islands, Walters engaged in inappropriate conduct. The child had traveled with him to visit a family friend.

Later that same month, prosecutors said Walters took the child to a hotel, where another act of assault occurred. The prosecution also revealed that he gave the child a sum of money.

The matter came to light when the child confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation. A subsequent medical examination at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital corroborated the allegations. Walters was arrested and charged following the investigation.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Walters was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court and was initially released on $70,000 bail before sentencing.

Isabella Merton, a woman convicted in 2020 of grievous bodily harm, has been ordered deported from the British Virgin Islands by Governor Daniel Pruce. The deportation order, signed on February 21, directs Merton to leave the territory within seven days of receiving official notice.

Merton, who lived in Josiah’s Bay at the time of her arrest, was found guilty of striking a man with her vehicle, resulting in a broken ankle.
According to court records, the incident stemmed from a dispute involving Merton’s boyfriend. On the day in question, the victim had been involved in an altercation with Merton’s partner. Later, as he walked through an area in Greenland, Tortola, Merton allegedly drove toward him at high speed.

The victim attempted to evade the vehicle but was struck on his right side. The Jeep reportedly turned and drove toward him again, prompting him to jump into a nearby ghut to avoid further injury.

While in the ghut, the victim claimed Merton pointed a firearm at him and threatened his life. Another man reportedly intervened and pulled her away.

Merton was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; however, the court dismissed that charge due to insufficient evidence.

In his official order, Governor Pruce stated that Merton is not deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands and that her presence in the territory is “undesirable and not conducive to the public good.” The order was issued under section 40(1)(b) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised Edition 2013).

Merton is required to leave the territory within seven days of receiving the order. If she does not voluntarily depart, authorities are authorized to place her on the first available departing vessel or aircraft. She may also be detained until her removal unless she files a written appeal with the governor within the specified timeframe.

At this time, it remains unclear where Merton is originally from.