A St. Croix jury found Cecile Douglas guilty Tuesday of first-degree aggravated rape, two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual contact and child abuse involving a child younger than 13, according to a Virgin Islands Justice Department press release.
Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced the verdicts Wednesday, stating that jurors returned guilty verdicts on all four charges after a two-day trial in Superior Court on St. Croix. The jury deliberated for about 2 1/2 hours before reaching its decision, according to the release.
“This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” Rhea said. “Crimes against our most vulnerable victims will be prosecuted aggressively, and I commend everyone whose dedication and professionalism helped secure justice in this case.”
According to the Justice Department, the jury was sworn in Monday and began hearing testimony that afternoon following opening statements. Testimony concluded June 30 before the case was submitted to the jury.
Douglas also faces a separate pending rape case that is scheduled for trial in August. He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment on the convictions returned Tuesday. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16 before Superior Court Judge Ernest E. Morris, the release stated.
