Shemar G. Webster, a resident of St. Thomas, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller in the District Court Wednesday and entered a guilty plea to the charge of interference with commerce by threats or violence and use of or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces up to life in federal prison, according to a release from U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands Gretchen Shappert. The sentencing date had not yet been set as of Thursday.
According to court documents, on Saturday, September 19, 2020, a white Suzuki Vitara arrived in the area of Gems & Gold Corner jewelry store located on the waterfront near Veteran’s Drive, St. Thomas, Webster and a co-defendant allegedly exited the white Suzuki Vitara with firearms and entered the Gems & Gold Corner jewelry store. According to the plea, Webster brandished the pistol he possessed and threatened the jewelry store employees and others. Webster reportedly physically assaulted the jewelry store owner using the firearm, striking the owner’s head. Webster and a co-defendant broke the jewelry showcases and took jewelry from the store. They then retreated from the jewelry store, got back into the white Suzuki Vitara, and were driven away from the area.