Samuel Melendez, 43, of St. Croix, plead guilty Tuesday in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm in a school zone, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 8, 2018, V.I. Police officers responded to the H & R Supermarket in Frederiksted after receiving a report concerning an individual brandishing a firearm. Melendez was found in the vicinity of the Frederiksted Vegetable Market in possession of an operable .38 caliber firearm. Reportedly, officers discovered the weapon in Melendez’ waistband as they conducted a pat-down search. The firearm contained one chambered round of ammunition.
Melendez did not have a license to possess the firearm, Shappert said.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the location where Melendez was found in possession of the gun was within 1,000 feet of the St. Patrick’s Elementary School, a violation of federal law.
Melendez faces up to five years imprisonment for the offense, a fine of as much as $250,000.00, and forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. A sentencing date has been set for Nov. 21.
The case was investigated by the VIPD and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.