ST. THOMAS — V.I. Superior Court Magistrate Carolyn Hermon-Purcell has ruled that there was sufficient evidence to move forward on rape and related charges against Shawn Tyson, V.I. Department of Justice Public Media Officer Corliss Smithen announced Thursday.
Following his arrest on March 1, Mr. Tyson, 30, of Est. Caret Bay, appeared Thursday morning before Magistrate Hermon-Purcell to be advised of his rights on charges of first-degree rape and unlawful sexual contact stemming from a Jan. 29 incident.
Considering that Mr. Tyson has strong ties to the community, Magistrate Hermon-Purcell decreased his bail from $50,000 to $35,000 and allowed him to post 10 percent to secure his release. She also imposed a number of bail conditions, which include maintaining a distance of at least 25 feet from the victim at all times, according to the release.
According to a probable cause fact sheet filed by Detective Ivan Christopher, Mr. Tyson and the victim were inside Mr. Tyson’s house where he raped her. During the acts, the victim was crying and told him to stop; however, he continued, the release added.
Investigators also relied on the statements of three witnesses, two of whom told police that the victim told them that Mr. Tyson sexually assaulted her against her will, according to Detective Christopher.
Mr. Tyson is scheduled to return to court on March 16 to be arraigned on the charges.
Tags: rape, shawn tyson, st thomas, usvi
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