After hearing four days of testimony in a property dispute, a federal judge directed legal teams to provide further documentation. Chief District Judge Robert Molloy concluded a non-jury bench trial Thursday on St. Thomas.
The trial took place 10 years after attorneys from the U.S. Justice Department filed a three-count complaint against a St. John family living at 5A Estate Bordeaux. Family members — descendants of St. John tradition bearer Felicia Nesbitt Caines — were charged with common law trespass, creating a nuisance and illegally occupying property that was given to the V.I. National Park by a group called Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc.
A string of defendants told the court the land they live on was not part of the land gift given by the preserve to the park. Current and retired park employees also appeared in the courtroom. Deputy Park Superintendent Scott Simmonds testified as a witness.
Government attorneys also brought in a witness who gave an extensive history of Parcel 5a, including entries appearing in the Danish archives.
This week’s proceedings was the second bench trial held over the land dispute. A two-day trial took place in July 2017.
There was no verdict at the end of testimony on Wednesday. Molloy issued an order, directing both legal teams to obtain trial transcripts and file post-trial briefs within 90 days of receiving those transcripts.
August 1 is the deadline for lawyers to collect the transcripts. The judge further ordered them to write up detailed reasons why they believe the court will rule in their favor.
