On Friday, October 25th,2024, Gordon C. Rhea, Esq. was officially sworn in as the new Attorney General for the Virgin Islands Department of Justice This happened during a ceremony held at Government House on St. Croix, with the oath of office administered by Virgin Islands Supreme Court Justice Harold W.L. Willocks.
With a successful legal career spanning over four decades, Rhea brings a wealth of experience. He served as a federal prosecutor, local prosecutor, defense attorney, major civil practitioner, and appellate lawyer. He is a long-standing member of the Virgin Islands Bar Association too. This association also honored him with the prestigious Winston Hodge Award in 2023.
Moreover, governor Albert Bryan, Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. lauded Rhea’s dual experience in both prosecution and defense roles as a significant asset for the Attorney General’s Office. “I value having a leader who understands the balance of justice from both perspectives, ensuring fairness and intelligence will guide our Department of Justice,” stated Governor Bryan.
After taking the oath and receiving the Golden Emblem pin from Governor Bryan, Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea addressed attendees from the Governor’s executive staff, Cabinet, Virgin Islands Legislature, and the Department of Justice.
Moreover, he expressed his commitment to improving the office, stating, “I believe the Department of Justice is highly underrated. My goal is to strengthen our team by recruiting more attorneys—especially local attorneys who are familiar with our islands—and modernizing our operations with a new case management system.”
Gordon C. Rhea who grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in history from Indiana University. He continued his graduate studies at Harvard University as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
However , his legal career began in Los Angeles with complex criminal defense cases before moving to Washington, D.C. This here where he served on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Activities, eventually becoming an Assistant United States Attorney.
In 1981, he was appointed United States Attorney in the Virgin Islands and co-founded the notable plaintiff’s firm Alkin and Rhea in 1982.
As a resident of the Virgin Islands for more than half his life, Rhea emphasized his dedication to community service. “I am committed to helping individuals overcome obstacles, particularly the youth who face lifelong challenges due to felony convictions. It is crucial that we develop programs for drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, and counseling to support those who can change,” he declared.
Rhea and his wife, Catherine, were married on St. Croix in 1968 and are proud parents to two sons, Campbell and Carter.
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