In his first court appearance after being indicted by a federal grand jury, former legislative executive director Louis "Lolo" Willis pleaded not guilty Wednesday to three counts each of bribery and extortion.
The charges stem from an indictment released May 8 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. According to the indictment, Willis’ role as executive director of the Legislature between 2009 and 2012 included oversight of the renovation of the St. Thomas Legislature building, which included awarding and entering into contracts on behalf of the Legislature, including contracts for general construction, air-conditioning services and carpentry, which were not publicly bid. Willis was also responsible for paying the contractors for their work.
As alleged in the indictment, Willis accepted thousands of dollars in cash from three contractors in exchange for using his official position to secure contracting work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.
Willis was formally read his rights during his arraignment hearing in V.I. District Court on Wednesday and was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond by Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller, who noted that Willis had already posted land as collateral for bail in connection with another case in V.I. Superior Court.
Miller also said that during his release, Willis cannot violate any local or federal laws, must report to the probation office, and cannot come in contact with any of the three contractors listed in the indictment pending trial.
Willis asked a speedy trial, which Miller said will begin on June 30. A pretrial hearing in the case has been set for June 11.
