The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday filed a complaint charging Jamari Benjamin with interference with commerce by threats or violence and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in this case, on Saturday, Sept. 19, a white Suzuki Vitara arrived in the area of Gems & Gold Corner jewelry store located on the waterfront near Veterans Drive on St. Thomas. Two men wearing masks got out of the white Suzuki Vitara with firearms and entered Gems & Gold Corner jewelry store. A third person remained with the vehicle as the driver.
The two masked men brandished the firearms and threatened the jewelry store employees and others. One of the masked men physically assaulted a jewelry store employee using the firearm, striking the employee’s head.
The two masked men broke the jewelry showcases and took jewelry from the store. They then retreated from the store, got back into the white Suzuki Vitara and were driven away from the area of the jewelry store by the same driver.
The Virgin Islands Police Department initiated an investigation into the robbery, which led police to interview Benjamin, who admitted to participating in the robbery.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the V.I. Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan Albino.
