Deshawn Gonsalves, 24, of St. Croix, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an initial appearance in District Court after his arrest by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents on the charges of possession of a firearm within a school zone, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Upon motion of the government, Cannon scheduled a detention hearing for Friday.
According to court documents, on Oct. 31, 2018, after responding to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance, officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department searched Gonsalves’ vehicle and located:
– A loaded Glock .45 caliber handgun;
– A Glock magazine holding 10 rounds;
– A Glock extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds;
– 135 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition;
– A ballistic vest;
– A black ski mask; and
– 170 grams of marijuana.
This occurred within 1,000 feet of the Eulalie Rivera Elementary School.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston.