Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) say they continue to make significant progress in ongoing investigations into robberies and other property crimes across the Territory.
On Wednesday, March 25, RVIPF officers conducted search operations at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. During the course of these operations, officers recovered a 9mm semi-automatic Glock pistol and a total of 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Eight males were taken into custody as a result of the operations. Three individuals were interviewed and subsequently released without charge, pending further investigation.
The remaining five suspects have since been charged as follows:
Charged with Keeping an Unlicensed Firearm and Two Counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives:
• Ernest Jacobs, 59, of Josiah’s Bay
• Prynce Jacobs, 19, of Josiah’s Bay
• A 16-year-old male of Josiah’s Bay
Charged with Two Counts of Robbery:
• A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate
Charged with Overstaying Landing Permit:
• Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay
These robberies occurred at separate locations on Tortola on March 3, 2025. One other minor was previously charged and remanded in connection with the same incidents.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the ongoing efforts of the officers involved and reaffirmed the RVIPF’s commitment to public safety stating, “The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives. To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. I commend our officers for their diligence and professionalism. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
The RVIPF encourages anyone with information related to these or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.