Earlier this week, USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez was issued a target letter by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to reports, cellphones of both him and his wife were confiscated.
In a shock twist, late last night Saturday 15 June, the Territory learned through breaking news that Jenifer O’Neal had also been subpoenaed in the case, and her phone seized. Ms. O’Neal is the V.I. Office of Management and Budget Director in the USVI and a daughter of the Virgin Islands (British). She hails from Virgin Gorda. She was served by Federal Bureau of Investigations while at a Florida Hotel last week, and was also served a search warrant.
A Grand Jury has been set for 24 June 2024, where Ms. O’Neal is to give testimony in the ongoing investigation regarding VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, or provide documents in lieu of testimony we understand.
FBI Matter
According to sources, a St. Thomas-based firm that was contracted by the V.I. Police Department, after receiving the contract which was signed by the Police Commissioner, provided Mr. Martinez with funds to complete work on a restaurant project he had been working on for quite some time.
Target Letter From FBI
A target letter from the FBI is a formal notification issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, typically through a federal prosecutor, indicating that the recipient is under investigation in connection with a federal crime. This letter not only informs the individual that they are a "target" of the investigation but also may detail the nature of the investigation and specify the criminal activities the person is allegedly linked to. Essentially, it signifies substantial evidence implicating the recipient in illegal activities, prompting them to consider legal representation. - The VI Consortium
Bryant Administration Under Investigation?
On Thursday 14 June 2024, V.I. Department of Education Director of Maintenance Davidson Charlemagne, and former V.I. Housing Finance Authority Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson, two high-ranking Government Officials, were arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging them with government program fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Mr. Charlemagne's wife, Sasha, was also arrested and charged in the alleged scheme.
The subpoena of both Commissioner Martinez and Management & Budget Director O’Neal, along with the indictment of Department of Education Director of Maintenance Charlemange, brings to three (3) the number of officials from the Bryan administration to come under heavy federal scrutiny in the past three days.