Ivan James, a 40-year-old gang leader from St. Croix, has been sentenced to 420 months in prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of firearms used in the murder of a rival gang member. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Delia L. Smith and handed down by District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney.
"The Ivan James Organization was a violent and lawless gang that terrorized and victimized the people of the Virgin Islands for over a decade," stated United States Attorney Delia Smith. She credited the "tremendous work" of various law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department, and the Bureau of Corrections for delivering lengthy sentences to those involved.
Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the DEA Caribbean Division emphasized that James' sentencing "should send a powerful message: justice will prevail against those who threaten the safety and stability of our communities." She noted it as a victory due to collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations, highlighted the importance of joint efforts in combating violent crimes and illicit activities by transnational criminal organizations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The investigation into James' organization began in January 2013 when officers at Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized an iPhone from inmate Joh Williams. This led to uncovering text messages related to narcotics smuggling within the prison, supplied by Ivan James. Further evidence revealed former corrections officer Vivian Ford's involvement in smuggling drugs into Golden Grove.
Tillisa Ceaser testified about her role in smuggling cocaine through Henry Rohlsen Airport from 2015 to 2018 on behalf of James' organization. The operation reportedly transported several hundred kilograms of cocaine to mainland U.S.
Robert Brown, a cooperating witness from a rival enterprise led by Paul Girard, provided testimony regarding drug transactions involving Vivian Ford on behalf of Ivan James. Brown also recounted an incident where he was attacked by Jermaine Williams under orders from Ivan James.
A significant event linked to this case occurred on May 25, 2017, when Joh Williams was released from Golden Grove Correctional Facility. Shortly after his release, Levar Pogson, identified as a rival gang member, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace playground.
In July 2017, federal agents discovered marijuana grow sites at James’ LaGrange Compound during an eradication operation which led to further charges against him when firearms were found during an August search warrant execution.
A federal jury convicted Ivan James on charges including drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting in Pogson's death. His sentence includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment. Co-defendants received varying sentences based on their roles; Joh Williams received 90 months for drug conspiracy while others pleaded guilty to related charges.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks threatening U.S security through collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies.