St. Thomas, USVI - On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, officers of the Richard Callwood Command were dispatched to the area of Oswald Harris Court in response to a call for service regarding an assault. Investigation revealed that a sexual assault had been committed against a female by a male. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau contacted the victim in this matter and the investigation is ongoing.

Bernard O. James, Jr.

On Monday, November 28, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued by the Magistrate Court for Bernard O. James, Jr., 45-years-old. On November 29, 2022, Mr. James, Jr., along with his legal counsel surrendered himself at the Richard Callwood Command. James, Jr. was booked, processed, and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his Advice of Rights Hearing, set for Wednesday, November 30, 2022. He was charged with Aggravated Rape 2nd, Rape in the 1st degree, Rape in the 2nd degree, Unlawful Sexual Contact in the 1st degree. Bail has been set at $150,000.00 per the Order of the Magistrate Court.

This case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Any persons having information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 ext. 5576/5572. Also contact can be made to 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. 1 (800) 222-TIPS, the Chief’s Office at (340) 715-5548 or the Commissioner’s Office at (340) 715-5506.

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All individuals listed as arrested or charged with a crime in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.