A federal magistrate judge upheld charges of wire fraud and federal program bribery, among other offenses, against former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and current Sports, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White on Friday morning. Also named in the case is Benjamin Hendricks, a government contractor who worked with Sports, Parks and Recreation.
District Court Magistrate Judge Alan Teague found probable cause to support the charges during a hearing on St. Thomas, and all four defendants, who appeared in court shackled, were released on $10,000 unsecured bond each. Their trial is currently set for Feb 24, 2025.
The charges stem from indictments returned by a federal grand jury earlier this week. During their arraignment in District Court, the defendants were advised of their rights and each entered a not guilty plea to the charges. The indictment, which had been sealed until just before the hearing, outlines the allegations, including the misuse of government funds and bribery tied to federal programs.
The defendants are accused of engaging in criminal activities connected to their roles in public office, specifically in relation to wire fraud and federal program bribery. As the case develops, further details will be released. Stay tuned to the Source for more updates on the hearing and ongoing investigation.
