Troy Patterson, a 51-year-old St. Croix resident, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon after his arrest by Drug Enforcement Administration special agents, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said Wednesday,
Patterson was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, maintaining drug-involved premises, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and fugitive in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, early Wednesday morning law enforcement agents and officers executed a search warrant at Patterson’s Anna Hope residence. Shappert said the search resulted in the seizure of 301 marijuana plants, approximately 117 grams of processed marijuana, approximately 168 grams of cocaine, and a loaded Taurus .38 caliber firearm. Additionally, Patterson had an active 2004 warrant from Oregon for failing to appear on dangerous drugs violations.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz.