Ground is Shifting Under Government Officials Linked to Federal Corruption Probe
St. Thomas – Gov. Albert Bryan on Thursday confirmed indictments were handed down against two former members of his Cabinet and one current commissioner, each of whom is linked to a long-running federal investigation into corruption at key government agencies.
While the governor did not name those facing charges, his announcement comes a day after a federal grand jury convened to weigh prosecutors’ case against ex-Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and Calvert White, head of the V.I. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation.
Specific charges against Martinez, O’Neal and White were unclear. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigations probe surrounds the more than $3.1 million paid to the stateside cybersecurity firm, Mon Ethos Pro Support, and its principal, David A. Whitaker. The allegedly corrupt payments include $1.7 million from OMB and at least $1.5 million paid the company by the VIPD.
“While these allegations are deeply concerning, I want to emphasize the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold, Gov. Bryan said in a prepared statement. “Every individual is entitled to due process, and I will respect that principle.”
In September 2024, Whitaker pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges after prosecutors say he offered up cash and favors to a VIPD official identified as “Public Official One” to secure payment of Mon Ethos’ tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices.
A U.S. District Court judge released Whitaker on $250,000 bond. Sentencing is slated for April, according to his attorney, David Cattie.
The FBI investigation came public last year, when agents seized cell phones and electronic devices of Martinez and his wife, and O’Neal. Martinez said at the time that authorities served him with a federal “target letter” informing him that he was under the microscope. Both Martinez and O’Neal resigned shortly afterward.
Federal investigators closed out 2024 with a dramatic, early morning raid, of a St. Thomas restaurant – owned by Martinez, but not yet opened – and seized a commercial kitchen hood system, side curtains, a fire suppression system, and wall panels. Agents outfitted in body armor and armed with M4 automatic rifles descended on Martinez’ spot – Don Felito’s
Cookshop in the early morning hours December 16th.
A warrant for the property stated that it was subject to forfeiture due to “alleged violations of federal laws.”
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