Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery recently closed its doors after 13 years. (Photo courtesy Kimberly Boulon)
Supermarket. Drugstore. Hardware store. Bank. Mail Center. The Marketplace on St. John is a place to go to get things done – and maybe pick up something good to eat while you’re there.
For 13 years, the Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery stood smack in the middle of all of this transactional trade with a different purpose: To bring beauty and wonder to people as they pass through a commercial space.
This past April, Kimberly Boulon reached a decision to close the gallery, which had been brewing for months, and within two weeks, a dozen artists came to collect their work. Since May, the prime retail location on the second floor has stood empty.
“We had wonderful artists, and 13 great years putting on Friday evening events during the peak season, collaborating with the St. John School of the Arts and other organizations,” said Boulon. Events featuring dance, drama, children’s art, local culture and the culinary arts drew hundreds to the Marketplace’s public spaces.
“The gallery represented beauty, love, and sharing; if it brought moments or a lifetime of excitement, contemplation, pleasure and serenity into people’s daily experiences, then we are beyond grateful for these marvelous gifts,” Boulon continued.
Boulon said the decision to close the gallery came at a time when she wanted to open up space in her life to pursue other interests, including her passion for architecture and design in natural settings. It also coincided with a multiyear project to add a second floor to the home she and her husband, Rafe, built overlooking Windswept Beach on St. John’s north shore. A view from the Boulon’s home can be seen live on a YouTube webcam by clicking here.
The second floor of the Boulons’ house is an ongoing project. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)This is the view from the Boulons’ house looking toward Cinnamon Bay (and beyond) in the Virgin Islands National Park. (You can see the webcam in the upper left corner in this photo.) (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Their house stands in a unique location. The Boulon family has owned property between Trunk Bay and Peter Bay since 1928, long before the Virgin Islands National Park was a gleam in Laurance Rockefeller’s eye. (Rockefeller was critical in the park’s creation.) Starting in the 1940s, Rafe’s grandmother, Erva Hartwell Boulon, ran a guesthouse overlooking Trunk Bay that served as a rustic vacation spot for adventurous travelers as well as Hollywood stars seeking a hideaway.
“Unfolding Sea – Windswept Beach to Trunk Bay,” oil on linen, is one of many seascapes by Kimberly Boulon. (Photo courtesy the Vickers Collection)
From Rafe and Kimberly’s home, visitors have a sweeping view of many of the seascapes that Kimberly has painted over the years. For the second story, they have collaborated with Fred Gemmell and Holly Howell of Matrix Design Studio to create spaces that can showcase Kimberly’s art. One goal is to open the space for viewing to those seriously interested in her work, starting in the late fall.
Boulon’s painting “Cinnamon Bay Warehouse,” oil on linen, portrays the oldest intact structure on St. John, which was destroyed in the 2017 hurricanes. (Photo courtesy the Bello Collection)
Since Rafe is now doing much of the construction work himself, the house will continue to be a work-in-progress for years to come, “as creativity never ceases.” Kimberly looks at the design and project as following the same principles she’s applied to her artwork. “You look at light and dark, high and low, compression at some point, expansion in another. You have to have something that gives you boundaries, a frame that gives you a moment to pause. As an artist, you’re leading your viewer around and within a space.”
Kimberly’s one regret is no longer offering a showcase for the talented artists whose unusual work rarely appeared in other local galleries, such as George Hollander’s lighting fixtures, John Van de Water’s stone and bronze mosaics and Dave Carlson’s epoxy-enhanced wood turnings.
Since her gallery closed fairly suddenly without fanfare, Boulon said she didn’t give people who meant-to-buy-something-one-of-these-days an opportunity to follow through on their intention, but she’s happy to put buyers in touch with the artists she represented, including those previously listed and Caroline Rogers, Fred Gemmell, Kim Nogueira, Gail Van de Bogurt, Hal Usher, Gail Karlsson, David Moser, Helen Dunkerlee, and Jerilee Roberts.
As for her own work, many of her paintings can be viewed on her website, and she welcomes inquiries by phone at 340-690-3332 or 340-690-5588, or by email at kimberlyboulonart@gmail.com.
She wants to thank their photographers and videographers, Bill Stelzer and Yelena Rogers, and the Marketplace’s manager, Debbie Marsh, for always being open to her ideas for events, and to everyone who loves art in the St. John community for their gracious support.
A graphic provided by AccuWeather highlights several tropical waves currently moving across the Atlantic. While development chances remain low, one of the waves is expected to bring rain to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Saturday and Sunday. (Photo courtesy AccuWeather)
Two tropical waves moving toward the eastern Caribbean are expected to bring increased moisture and a chance of showers to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, NOAA forecasters are monitoring signs of increasing tropical cyclone development potential across the Atlantic basin heading into August.
On Wednesday, the NWS office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, reported that the first of two tropical waves is expected to move across the region on Thursday, bringing a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms. A stronger wave is forecast to arrive Saturday. While forecast models remain uncertain about the exact timing and location of potential impacts, meteorologists advise residents to prepare for a wet weekend.
“A vigorous tropical wave will bring an unstable weather pattern across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Saturday through Sunday,” the NWS said in a Wednesday morning update.
“Abundant moisture associated with this wave will support a wet pattern, with increased cloudiness and a higher frequency of showers and thunderstorms. While there remain discrepancies between the U.S. Global Forecast System and the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts models regarding the exact timing of the passage of the center of the wave, both models agree on the potential for widespread rainfall,” the NWS said.
“The most significant impacts are expected on Sunday, supported by favorable instability from an upper-level low just northwest of the region,” the NWS said.
The NWS explained that there will be an increased threat of flooding across portions of both U.S. territories due to the incoming precipitation. The NWS also noted that trailing moisture from the tropical wave may cause showers on Monday, and hot and humid conditions should be anticipated.
NOAA Global Tropics Hazards Outlook
Regarding the possibility of additional tropical activity in the next seven days, the National Hurricane Center has not flagged any areas across the Atlantic basin as of Wednesday morning.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NHC does not anticipate significant cyclonic development across the Atlantic basin over the next seven days. However, a pair of tropical waves are forecast to pass across the region, bringing unsettled weather to the USVI and Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy NHC)
However, according to a Global Tropics Hazards Outlook released on Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, tropical development may become more likely in the near future.
The forecast tool offers insight into potential developments across tropical basins up to three weeks in advance. In its latest update, NOAA highlighted areas off the southeastern U.S. and within the Main Development Region — the zone between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean — as having increased chances for tropical activity in August. The Eastern Pacific basin, which has been active in recent weeks, is also expected to maintain an elevated chance of cyclonic development.
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane specialist at AccuWeather, shared information about the possibility of an increased chance of cyclonic activity in comments provided to the Source on Wednesday.
“As of Wednesday, it doesn’t look like anything would be ripe for any kind of explosive development, but we will be watching the tropical waves very closely, because the atmosphere overall will become more conducive for development over the next couple of weeks,” DaSilva predicted.
Watching the Tropics
DaSilva noted that AccuWeather meteorologists are currently monitoring several tropical waves moving across the Atlantic Ocean. Among them is a disturbance forecast to bring unsettled weather to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend. While that system is not expected to significantly intensify before reaching the region, DaSilva explained that conditions may become more favorable for development once it moves away.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its weekly Global Tropics Hazards Outlook Tuesday. NOAA highlighted areas off the southeastern U.S. and within the Main Development Region — the zone between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean — as having increased chances for tropical activity in August. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“We’re tracking a tropical wave right now that came off Africa about a day or two ago,” said DaSilva. “It’s transitioning across the Atlantic right now, but it’s really having a tough time with a lot of wind shear and dusty, dry air.”
“It is worth noting that the wind shear and dry air have come down a bit since earlier in July, but there’s still quite a bit of dry air across the Atlantic Basin. We have a low chance of development of that tropical wave between Aug. one and 4 as it approaches the Lesser Antilles,” he added.
DaSilva said AccuWeather has highlighted an area near the Virgin Islands for potential development during that same period. “That area still has to be watched, even after August 4, because it could get close to the southeast coast of the U.S., and then maybe try to develop near the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos,” he stated.
DaSilva also emphasized that the most active — and potentially dangerous — period of the Atlantic hurricane season for the U.S. Virgin Islands is just around the corner, with the highest risk typically arriving in early September.
“Statistically, for the Virgin Islands, most of the big hurricane impacts happen in the heart of the season, starting at the beginning of September and into the beginning of October,” DaSilva confirmed. “Afterward, the odds decrease, especially in November. So, it’s the core of the hurricane season that typically has the most activity coming towards the islands.”
“The climatological peak of hurricane season activity is September 10, and that is when we typically see the strongest tropical waves. That’s usually when we see the least amount of Saharan dust and wind shear across the Atlantic basin,” DaSilva noted.
More Tropical Waves Expected
“There are going to be more tropical waves coming across the Atlantic Basin, but we’re going to have to watch to see if there’s still a lot of dust over the next two weeks,” DaSilva explained. “Even if we don’t have a lot of wind shear, if there’s a lot of dust and dry air, it helps to prevent storms from forming and can be a big detriment to tropical systems.”
DaSilva provided an update on the status of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, noting that the current phase of the cycle plays a significant role in the possibility for hurricanes to organize.
“An ENSO-neutral pattern is occurring, and research has found that while the La Nina years typically yield the most tropical activity in the Atlantic, ENSO-neutral years can still yield a lot of tropical activity,” DaSilva cautioned.
“We expect an ENSO-neutral pattern to continue throughout most of the hurricane season, with a possible shift towards La Nina later in the season. While there still could be a storm that impacts the Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands in November, typically we look closer to the United States during November or the Western Caribbean,” DaSilva stated.
DaSilva concluded his remarks by urging individuals to remain prepared for the potential for tropical disturbances across the USVI and Puerto Rico this year.
“AccuWeather meteorologists believe the Virgin Islands could experience one or two impacts from a tropical storm or hurricane this season,” DaSilva said. “We’ll watch these tropical waves as they come across,” he added.
“Anything that potentially develops over the next week or two would likely be on the weaker side, unless we can clear out the dry air, which is expected to stick around the USVI and Puerto Rico region for the next few weeks,” DaSilva predicted.
Follow Local Weather Updates
Finally, the NWS in San Juan reminded individuals Wednesday about weather-related threats that will continue to affect the USVI and Puerto Rico over the coming days, including gusty winds, very warm temperatures, wind-driven choppy seas, and an elevated risk of rip currents. Additionally, a plume of Saharan dust is forecast to arrive early next week, causing a hazy sky.
It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Plentiful weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA. In a recent welcome development for forecasters, critical microwave satellite data — previously scheduled to stop transmitting to NOAA — will continue to be shared by the U.S. Department of Defense through September 2026.
The local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Individuals can also find helpful weather information and alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Terns skim the shoreline beneath a green hillside, wings stretched wide in the sea breeze. (Photo courtesy Nicole Angeli)
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources recently issued a public reminder that recreational bird hunting is prohibited in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The DPNR emphasized in a recent press release that no hunting permits will be issued for species such as pigeons, doves, ducks, plovers, hawks, and thrushes.
The collection or possession of eggs from booby and parakeet species is also forbidden. Violations may result in fines or other enforcement actions under territorial and federal law.
These rules reflect long-standing territorial policy and are consistent with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 — a landmark law that makes it illegal to hunt, capture, or possess migratory birds without a permit.
The act currently protects more than 1,000 species across the United States and its territories, including those native to the Caribbean, and was created to safeguard species that travel and migrate across international borders, ensuring their survival through coordinated protections.
“Nearly 10 percent of all migratory nongame birds that are likely to become endangered reside in the USVI for at least part of the year,” said Nicole Angeli, director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife for the DPNR. “More than 150 other species of bird are known to reside in the territory full-time or for part of their lives. These new protections ensure that birds are protected where they nest, forage, and roost in the USVI so that they continue to thrive.”
Two birds rest on a quiet stretch of beach as waves roll gently in behind them. (Photo courtesy Nicole Angeli)
DPNR officials noted that the rules are not new but serve as a seasonal reminder, particularly during times when residents might mistakenly assume hunting is allowed. The agency has observed increased public inquiries during summer months, when certain species are more visible and active.
The Virgin Islands’ rich biodiversity makes these protections especially important. The territory is home to several native species and serves as a key migratory stopover for birds traveling between continents.
Local Virgin Island habitats support nesting, feeding, and resting for a wide range of avian life. Many of these ecosystems are under pressure from development, pollution, and climate change, making regulatory protections even more vital.
Under current territorial guidelines, DPNR only issues wildlife permits for research, culling, or nuisance control — not for recreational hunting. Officials say this policy underscores their commitment to conservation and ensures territorial laws align with federal standards.
For more information on DPNR permits and applications, click here.
St. John Rescue is offering a 68-hour Emergency Medical Responder class starting Aug. 12 and ending Sept. 23. Scheduled days for this course are listed below:
Tuesday, Aug 12, from 6-10 p.m.
Thursday, Aug 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 16, from 9 am–5pm
Tuesday, Aug 19, from 6-10 pm
Thursday, Aug 21, from 6 – 10 pm
Tuesday, Aug 26, from 6-10 pm
Saturday, Aug 30, from 9am-5 pm
Tuesday, Sept 2, from 6-10 pm
Saturday, Sept 6, from 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday, Sept 9, from 6-10 pm
Thursday, Sept 11, from 6-10 pm
Tuesday, Sept 16, from 6-10 pm
Thursday, Sept 18, from 6-10 pm
Tuesday, Sept 23, from 6-10 pm
This course and lab will address entry – level education for Emergency Medical Response providers. The course is based on the National Emergency Medical Responder Education Standards and is approved by the Virgin Islands Department of Health. These standards include the ability to understand the basic anatomy of the human body, conduct a preliminary physical exam for both medical and trauma complaints, understand the basic pathophysiology of medical and trauma complaints, and formulate an appropriate treatment/transport plan.
The cost of the course is $425.00 which includes books and all materials for the public. St. John Rescue members can take the course for free as part of a two-year responder commitment to St. John Rescue.
Registration and further information can be obtained from Brett Huntley, Training Captain/Clinical Educator for St. John Rescue by email at stjohnrescueeducation@gmail.com or at +1 (340) 725-3048
The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the reopening of the Fort Christian Parking Lot on Friday, August 1.
The community is welcome to return and enjoy the newly improved facility, which now features a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week payment system designed for convenience and efficiency. To ease the transition for all patrons, DPW will implement a short grace period before fully enforcing the newly automated system.
“We are really excited to welcome the public back to the Fort Christian Parking Lot, said Commissioner Derek Gabriel. The closure not only allowed us to make renovations, but also to meet ADA-compliant standards.”
The department closed the lot in January 2025 to accommodate the major renovation project. This includes milling and paving, installation of bollards, ADA ramp improvements, installation of water lines (which are used for the Carnival booths), striping, and numbering. The lot reopened temporarily in April for the 2025 Carnival festivities, but work proceeded in May.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and are excited to provide a more modern, efficient parking experience,” said Deputy Commissioner Karole McGregor.
One major upgrade includes a Pay-on-Foot (POF) system, which allows the public to pay at kiosks before returning to their vehicles. This system is scheduled to be activated by the end of August. Additional improvements include free electric vehicle charging stations, numbered parking spaces, and reflective signage to improve visibility and safety throughout the lot. The lot will once again resume the use of both exits. Cash, debit, and credit card users can pay at the main entrance cashier’s booth, while day, monthly, or annual pass users, as well as credit card users, can utilize the North exit.
“I strongly encourage the employees working in the downtown Charlotte Amlie area to consider obtaining monthly passes, said Commissioner Gabriel.” Parking passes are available for purchase by request through the parking lot’s main office.
Follow DPW on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. You can also visit dpw.vi.gov to stay abreast of all things V.I. Public Works.
Louis Charles Blanchard, affectionately known by most as “Lewie” passed away peacefully in his home in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on Sunday, July 12, 2025, with his oldest son, Tony and his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Francilia Marie Blanchard by his side.
Louis Charles Blanchard
Born on May 15, 1936, on the French Island of St. Barts, he was the son of the late Mederie Blanchard and Lucina Blanchard of St Barts.
He was one of 4 children. He had 3 sisters, Marie Anita Danet (pre-death), Marie Cecile Magras and Marthe Elvina Questel. Louis followed his dad to St Thomas seeking work when he met Francilia better known to most as “Pem” and decided to stay and make his life in St. Thomas. They got married on 01/26/1958 and have raised 4 beautiful children, Tony (Sherry) Blanchard, Patrick Blanchard, Theresa (Curtis) Smith and Gerard (Betteba) Blanchard along with 6 grandkids: Tristan (Blanchard), John (Handy), Cheyenne (Blanchard), Daniel (Blanchard), Ashley (Hunter) Smith and Amanda (Blanchard) and a great grandson, Weston (Smith).
Louis was a proud man and a hard worker. He began bartending at Normandie Bar and Chateau Blanc and lots of time he would go out to pull fish pot with some of the men to make sure his family was taken care of.He then decided to give up bartending after 12 years and turn to fishing as his full-time job. He fished with his brother-in-law, Frank (Gumbs) for many years and then his oldest son, Anthony “Tony” (Blanchard) joined them in the fishing business. Meanwhile Pem and her mom, Eugenie “Une” Gumbs cleaned the fish for the customers when the boat came in each day. Louis loved his family and friends immensely and would do anything for them. He loved getting together on the weekends with everyone, whether it was at the house or on Honeymoon Beach, water island.
Louis has many family members in St Barts, including 2 of his sisters that are still with us and 1 that has passed. He has many cousins, nephews and nieces still in St Barts.
Louis’ faith in God and the Catholic church was strong. After he became less mobile in his later years, he watched the mass on TV every chance he got and prayed.Louis loved animals. Through the years he made a home for many birds, dogs and cats among a few.
Family and friends are invited to his funeral on Friday, August 8. Service at 9:30 at St. Ann’s Chapel in Frenchtown. Interment private.
Our family entrusted our loved one in the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services.
Sargassum seaweed blankets the shoreline at Lindqvist Beach, prompting a temporary ban on swimming. (Photo courtesy Magens Bay Authority)
Swimming at Lindqvist Beach has been temporarily suspended due to a heavy accumulation of sargassum seaweed, according to a press release from Magens Bay Authority Wednesday.
The beach remains open for walking and other land-based activities, but officials are urging the public to avoid entering the water due to degraded water quality and potential health risks, the press release stated.
Sargassum, a naturally occurring brown seaweed, has been appearing more frequently and in larger volumes throughout the Caribbean. Scientists attribute this trend to shifting ocean currents, rising nutrient levels, and broader climate conditions. While the seaweed itself is non-toxic, large buildups can produce foul odors, disrupt marine life, and pose safety concerns for swimmers, the release stated.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers,” the authority stated in the release.
Updates on the beach’s status will be available at www.magensbayauthority.org and on the Authority’s social media pages.
Victor George was last seen in the Hospital Ground area on St. Thomas (VIPD photo)
The Virgin Islands Police Department is continuing its search for 64-year-old Victor A. George, who was last seen on or around July 4 in the area of 245 Hospital Ground on St. Thomas.
George was reported missing by a relative on Saturday, July 12, prompting an immediate response from the VIPD’s Major Crimes Unit. Investigators met with the family to gather background information and quickly issued a missing person poster on social media. Since then, searches have been conducted in key locations where George is known to spend time, including the Edward Blyden Terminal (Tortola Wharf), Crown Bay, Hospital Ground, and Tutu Park Mall.
In addition to on-the-ground searches, a VIPD drone operator was dispatched to conduct an aerial sweep of Hospital Ground and the surrounding areas. Investigators have also contacted staff at Schneider Regional Medical Center, the Bureau of Corrections, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in hopes of locating George.
George is described as a Black male with short gray hair and a bald spot. He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue long pants.
Anyone with information about Victor George’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Major Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, extensions 5554, 5555, or 5556.
Port Authority board members, from left, Gordon Rhea, Willard John, Kevin Rodriguez, and Leona Smith, during their meeting Tuesday at the Cleone Creque Legislative Conference Room on St. John. (Zoom meeting screenshot)
The V.I. Port Authority’s governing board met Tuesday on St. John and voted on several items including the execution of an airport improvement program, lease credits, and project agreements.
During the meeting, the board authorized Executive Director Carlton Dowe’s execution of the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program FY2023 Community Projects Supplemental Grant Program. It will allow for the Cyril E. King Airport to improve airfield stormwater drainage. According to the board, the FAA will cover 90% of the costs, with a maximum obligation of $3,423,820.
The board also approved a consolidated lease agreement for five years with Priority RoRo to lease 36,000 square feet and an additional 37,500-square-foot space of land for the staging of containers and loose cargo. Further, the board approved a four-year lease agreement with Crowley Caribbean Services LLC for 72,000 square feet of land in the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center area.
Moreso, the board authorized the use of rent credits to reimburse Tropical Shipping and Construction LLC for modification work made to their leased premises. The modification is for the roof spouting system and hardening the floor slabs inside the bays due to water issues caused by flooding.
“The downspout issue, is that a design or a construction flaw,” asked board Chair Willard John.
“It’s my understanding it was designed that way,” responded Vincent Frazer, legal counsel for the Port Authority. “Not in house, it was designed by consultants.”
“So, how do we deal with our consultants with that flaw?” questioned John.
“When it was designed, it was designed that the water would come off the roof, not go into a cistern,” said Dowe. “What the design was for the building, was met.”
“It was approved, VIPA approved, the design, with this shortcoming, I call it. And then after it was built then I think, different staff now realize that we probably should have accommodated for proper disposal of that water,” said Frazer.
Tropical will be reimbursed $9,166.41 per month for 24 months via credits.
Regarding projects, the board authorized up to $118,218 to Moffat and Nichol to provide master planning services for the Frederiksted waterfront and up to $117,082 to Moffatt and Nichol to provide design services related to the Enighed Pond community park project on St. John. Both projects are funded by legislative appropriation.
Lastly, the board accepted a bid for the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Yacht Haven Grande Dredging Package on St. Thomas. The bid, placed by Custom Builders, is $2,527,504. The proposal includes the abatement of hazardous materials and the demolition of the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to create space for the storage of dredge material.
Board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Gordon Rhea, Kevin Rodriguez, Leona Smith, and Celestino White were present.
A U.S. District Court judge has scheduled sentencing dates for Calvert White, pictured leaving the courthouse on St. Thomas last week, and his co-defendant Benjamin Hendricks in early December after the pair was convicted of wire fraud and bribery charges. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
A federal judge has scheduled December sentencing dates for Calvert White and Benjamin Hendricks, who were convicted of honest services wire fraud and bribery last week. According to orders filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday, White’s sentencing will take place on Dec. 5 and Hendricks’s on Dec. 2 at the federal courthouse on St. Thomas.
A jury found White and Hendricks guilty Friday after federal prosecutors successfully demonstrated that the pair used White’s influence as then-commissioner of the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department to steer a surveillance camera contract to the company of a convicted felon and cooperating witness in exchange for a $16,000 bribe. During the trial’s closing arguments, Hendricks was described as White’s “middleman, helper, aider and abettor.” Each was found guilty of both charges.
Honest services wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, and bribery carries a maximum of 10 years. In deciding their sentences, a judge will consider the findings of a presentence report, federal sentencing guidelines and the recommendations of the parties’ attorneys.
According to Friday’s orders, the government and White have until Nov. 25 to file sentencing memoranda and any motions related to federal sentencing guidelines. Hendricks, whose sentencing date is earlier, has until Nov. 21.
