Police have arrested and charged two men in connection with a string of villa burglaries and other crimes in Virgin Gorda.
Paul Jack, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was apprehended on Jan. 4 following a joint police operation led by Virgin Gorda detectives, according to the Police Information Office.
He previously had been deported from the Virgin Islands in 2021 after being convicted of having the proceeds of criminal conduct, but he re-entered the territory illegally and had been hiding out in heavily bushy areas between
Crooks Bay and Copper Mine, police said in a Jan. 8 press release.
“Over the past year, he has been linked to several burglaries, robberies, and other criminal activities that caused significant disruption and fear within the Virgin Gorda community,” the release stated.
Villa burglaries
Those crimes, police said, include a series of break-ins at villas across Virgin Gorda that targeted both unoccupied and occupied properties and heightened concerns among the community.
As a result, police said, Mr. Jack has been charged with illegal entry, criminal trespass, being armed with an offensive weapon, assault on police, resisting arrest, and aggravated burglary. Investigations into his potential involvement in other burglaries and robberies are ongoing, according to police.
Other suspect
Also linked to the villa break-ins was Devonte Joseph, 29, of no fixed place of abode, who has been arrested and charged with robbery, two counts of burglary, and aggravated burglary, according to police.
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the teamwork of the officers involved in the operation that led to Mr. Jack’s capture.
“The arrest of Paul Jack is a major breakthrough in ensuring the safety and security of Virgin Gorda residents and visitors,” she said. “His actions have caused distress in the community, and we are committed to bringing him and others involved in these crimes to justice.”
