Federal indictments have been brought against former and current members of his administration, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said in a statement Thursday morning.
While he did not name the three individuals, the Source confirmed late Wednesday that a federal grand jury had convened to deliberate on indictments against former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and current Sports, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White.
While Bryan did not provide any details about the indictments, the proceedings are reportedly connected to the fraud case involving David Whitaker, founder of Mon Ethos Pro Support LLC, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges in September.
“Today, I learned of federal indictments involving two former members of my Cabinet and one current member of this administration,” Bryan said in a statement issued just after 8 a.m. Thursday, which is a holiday in the USVI and nationally in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, whose state funeral is being held in Washington, D.C.
“While these allegations are deeply concerning, I want to emphasize the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold. Every individual is entitled to due process, and I will respect that principle,” said Bryan.
The Source previously reported on the resignations of Martinez and O’Neal amid federal investigations. In June, Bryan requested their resignations following reports of a federal probe into their activities. Martinez resigned as police commissioner, and O’Neal stepped down from her role as OMB director shortly thereafter.
White, who continues to serve as commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, has also been under federal scrutiny. In June, it was reported that federal agents seized his cellphone as part of the ongoing investigation.
In his statement, Bryan said the indictments are not a reflection on the territory’s public servants, who he said work tirelessly, and that his administration will cooperate with the investigation.
“As Governor, I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and accountability within my administration. These values guide our work and will continue to do so as this matter unfolds. My administration will cooperate fully with federal authorities as necessary,” he said.
“It is also important to recognize that the actions or allegations involving individuals do not define the broader efforts and dedication of the many public servants who work tirelessly for the benefit of the Virgin Islands. My focus remains on serving the people of this community with integrity and transparency,” Bryan said.
Mon Ethos Pro Support LLC was contracted by the Virgin Islands Police Department and other government agencies to handle critical evidence and provide security solutions.
Whitaker’s guilty plea to wire fraud and bribery charges has raised concerns about the integrity of evidence in numerous criminal cases, prompting calls for transparency and comprehensive reviews by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.
This is a developing story, and the Source will publish more details as they become available.
