The police arrested a St. Thomas man who was accused of sexually assaulting two people on the beach, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Thursday, June 6, officers and detectives responded to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital regarding a report of a sexual assault. There, they met the female assault victim and a male acquaintance. They both reported that while on the beach on Wednesday, June 5, they were approached by a Black male wearing a ski mask. The male, who appeared to have a weapon tucked into the waist of his pants, instructed them both to engage in sexual acts, according to the police report.
The male coerced them into his vehicle, where they made several stops, including an ATM where money was removed. They returned to the beach; however, the suspect left with just the female and took her to an unknown location where he sexually assaulted her multiple times and returned her to the beach, where they had left the male acquaintance. Both victims stated that while in the presence of the suspect, he removed his firearm from his clothes as a threat to the victims, the police report stated.
Investigation revealed that the suspect is Richard Albert. He was read his rights and placed under arrest on June 10. Albert was charged with rape in the first degree, the report stated.
This case is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or Detective S. Donastorg at 340-774-2211 ext. 5575 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-TIPS.
