Four Charged in Robbery of Jewelry Store
Court Orders Release of Suspects

ST. THOMAS—Over the objection of the government, United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller today ordered the release of the four men charged in the robbery of Imperial Jewelry Store on St. Thomas, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Miller stayed her order, releasing the four men until 9 a.m. Monday to give the government an opportunity to appeal the order to the district court judge.

Shaquim Fredericks, 19; Warkim Gabriel, 18; Alvin Thomas, 19; and Chefton Newton, 26, all of St. Thomas, were charged in federal court on April 4 with interference with commerce by threats of violence. They appeared today in federal court for their preliminary and detention hearing.

After finding probable cause to charge the four men with Hobbs Act robbery, the court ordered their release with conditions, including home confinement, electronic monitoring, third-party custodian, and $50,000 cash bond. The four men are allowed to post 10 percent of the bond.

According to documents filed in federal court, on March 15, 2014, the four defendants and three additional individuals committed armed robbery of the Imperial Jewelry Store on Main Street, St. Thomas, robbing the store of more than $1 million worth of merchandise. After leaving the store, the defendants fled to the bushy area behind Fireburn Hill, where they were apprehended by officers and detectives from the Virgin Islands Police Department.

If convicted, defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.