Dominican Republic national Alberto Campusano Valera and United States Virgin Islands resident Kemel Stefon Wilson were both convicted on 4 charges, including being in possession of more than $805,000 which was forfeited to the Crown.
This was confirmed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution via a media statement dated Wednesday March 30.
According to the release the two men were convicted on Tuesday March 29 for possession of proceeds of criminal conduct, failing to declare monies to Her Majesty’s Customs in sum of $805,370.00 and for illegal entry into the territory.
Wilson was also convicted for failing to comply with an order contrary to Section 91 (1) (c) of the Police Act (CAP 165).
Allegations
Initial allegations which were revealed during the trial stated that on June 16, 2020, members of the Joint Task Force were in the vicinity of Tobago Island when officers spotted a blue and white speed boat leaving from the direction of St. John in route to Great Thatch Island.
The boat was being monitored by the task force which noted it was heading towards Jost Van Dyke. That destination changed after occupants on the vessel came to the realization that they were being followed and the speed boat diverted to Smugglers Cove on the mainland of Tortola.
A chase was activated thereafter which eventually led to law enforcement officers forcing the vessel to stop using several methods.
Sentencing for both Valera and Wilson is scheduled for May, 2022.