Man Arrested for Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number

ST.THOMAS — Jashawn Bailey, 30, was arrested Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today. Bailey made his initial appearance on the same day before United States Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. He was released pending a preliminary hearing set for Wednesday.

According to the complaint, on December 14, 2016, the Virgin Islands Police discovered a .45 caliber Taurus firearm with an obliterated serial number wrapped in a T-shirt and hat at a crime scene. Subsequently, Bailey, who was at the scene, admitted that the firearm belonged to him. If convicted, Bailey faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.