AGP Executive Report

Local Courts: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is set to surrender to federal custody on July 1 after Judge Mark Kearney denied her latest bid to delay incarceration while her appeal proceeds, with the court citing her failure to show grounds for more time and rejecting bail-pending-appeal arguments. Public Safety & Courts: St. Croix’s Superior Court docket is drawing attention for a surge of violent cases, including a reported “execution” at a Castle Coakley-area gas station and a separate family dispute that escalated into attempted murder charges. Federal Prosecutions: A deported man barred from reentering the U.S. for five years was arrested in Havensight after agents say a seized cellphone contained alleged child sexual exploitation material. Territorial Policy Watch: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump’s attempt to narrow birthright citizenship is being flagged as significant for people born in U.S. territories, even though it didn’t directly settle the territory-specific citizenship fight. Community & Aging-In-Place: AARP’s Community Challenge continues to fund quick-action projects nationwide, with the program again highlighting mobility, public space access, and disaster preparedness—an approach local leaders often look to when planning senior-focused improvements.

USVI Courts & Public Safety: St. Croix’s Superior Court docket highlights a surge of violent crime, including a fatal gas-station shooting tied to Brian Schooler and a separate kitchen dispute case involving Jahnigh Gonsalves. Federal Custody: Former USVI Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal is set to surrender to federal custody July 1 after a judge denied further delay tied to her appeal. Immigration & Sex Exploitation Case: Bruce F. Wheatley—deported to Tortola in May and barred for five years—faces federal charges after agents say he violated his ban and that a seized phone contained alleged child sexual exploitation material. USVI Governance: The BVI Premier defended increased charter yacht fees as already boosting revenue and attracting more operators, while USVI-related federal airport updates note expanded mobile passport control at three USVI airports. Elections & Rights: The US Supreme Court struck down a Trump effort to narrow birthright citizenship, a ruling Right to Democracy says has major implications for people born in US territories; separately, SCOTUS upheld states’ ability to count some late-arriving mail-in ballots. Community & Aging-In-Place Grants: AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge continues funding quick-action accessibility and mobility projects, including a Chatham wayfinding grant and other community improvements; the program also supports USVI through its nationwide grantmaking.

Territorial Justice: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal is set to surrender to federal custody today after a judge denied her latest bid to delay reporting while she pursues an appeal, keeping Congress’s incarceration mandate on track. Federal Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected efforts to carve out exceptions to the Citizenship Clause and also upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterward—an outcome that matters for U.S. territories that already use “grace period” rules. USVI Public Safety/Immigration: A deported Tortola man barred from reentering the U.S. faces federal charges after being identified in Havensight and accused of having child sexual exploitation material on a seized cellphone. Local/Regional Policy: In the British Virgin Islands, Premier Natalio Wheatley says higher charter yacht fees are already boosting revenue and attracting more operators—an argument likely to resonate across the Caribbean’s licensing debates. Community & Aging-In-Place: AARP’s Community Challenge continues funding quick local improvements; the week’s coverage highlights trail and wayfinding signage and mobility-focused projects, with U.S. Virgin Islands included in the program’s broader reach. Business/Finance: Onity Group completed a reverse mortgage servicing rights deal with Finance of America Reverse, a reminder that financial-services restructuring continues to ripple through the broader U.S. market.

USVI Criminal Justice: A Tortola man, Bruce F. Wheatley, deported in May and barred for five years, was charged in USVI federal court after agents identified him in Havensight and alleged a seized phone contained child sexual exploitation material. Local Public Safety: A proactive traffic patrol on the Julian Jackson Highway escalated into a high-risk arrest after officers found an unregistered vehicle tied to an aggravated rape suspect violating a 24-hour home confinement order, with added concerns about a stolen registration sticker. Federal Voting Rights: The US Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but received afterward, preserving “grace period” rules in places including the US Virgin Islands. Territorial Governance Context: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered her National Guard to limit its Washington, DC mission to the America 250 anniversary, noting other states and territories—including the USVI—have sent troops to the capital. National Legal Watch: New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” released subpoenas seeking records from federal prosecutors in South Carolina and other jurisdictions, including the USVI, about why Epstein cases were not pursued. Lottery (USVI included): Mega Millions climbed again after no jackpot winner on June 30; the next drawing is Friday, July 3, with the game legal in the USVI.

USVI Criminal Justice: A man deported to Tortola in May and barred from entering the U.S. for five years was charged in the U.S. Virgin Islands after being identified in Havensight and allegedly found with child sexual exploitation material on a seized cellphone. Local Policing: A routine traffic patrol on the Julian Jackson Highway escalated into a high-risk arrest after officers found an aggravated rape suspect violating a strict 24-hour home confinement order and a stolen registration sticker. USVI & Federal Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive afterward, preserving late-ballot “grace periods” that include the U.S. Virgin Islands. Territorial Security & Federal Presence: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered her National Guard to limit DC missions to the America 250 celebration, while noting the U.S. Virgin Islands has sent troops to Washington. Epstein Probe Fallout: New reporting and congressional questioning continue to swirl around Epstein-related records and communications, including references to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the broader investigation trail.

USVI Law Enforcement: A proactive traffic stop on the Julian Jackson Highway escalated into a high-risk arrest after officers found an unregistered vehicle tied to an aggravated rape suspect and violations of a court-ordered 24-hour home confinement order, with additional issues flagged through stolen registration verification. US Supreme Court & Voting Rights: In a 5-4 ruling, the Court upheld state “grace periods” for mail-in ballots—late ballots can be counted if postmarked by Election Day—preserving late-arrival counting in places including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. USVI & Caribbean Telecom Relief: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help residents stay connected after recent earthquakes. Federal Facilities Oversight: A new report highlights long-running maintenance backlogs across federal buildings, including health and safety problems like leaks, mold, and broken elevators—costs that keep growing as repairs stall. Community Aging Support: AARP announced Community Challenge grants, with the program explicitly including the U.S. Virgin Islands among jurisdictions receiving support for age-friendly local projects. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $360M for Monday’s drawing, with a $163.8M cash value.

U.S. Supreme Court Voting Ruling: The Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive afterward, a major setback to efforts to tighten federal election deadlines. USVI Election Impact: A rights group says grace periods like this are already in place across multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, keeping the territory’s mail-ballot rules in the spotlight heading into 2026. Federal Facilities Backlog: A new report highlights long-running repair problems in federal buildings—leaks, mold, and broken elevators—tied to a maintenance backlog that can take more than a year for Congress to approve major fixes. USVI Public Safety/Response: The Coast Guard coordinated a rescue after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, recovering a survivor and transferring him to local emergency services in Charlotte Amalie. Community Connectivity: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers reach family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Local Governance/Policy: Gov. signs a firearms reform bill, adding another policy item for USVI residents to watch as implementation details emerge. Epstein Aftershocks in Congress: House Oversight subpoenas Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Epstein-related claims.

Epstein Banking Fallout: A civil lawsuit alleges First BanCorp/FirstBank helped finance Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network, citing dozens of Epstein-linked accounts in Puerto Rico and claims of delayed anti-money-laundering reporting; First BanCorp says it “categorically” denies the allegations and will defend in court. Congress & NDAs: House Oversight Committee chair James Comer issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black after Black refused to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements tied to Epstein; Black says he had no involvement or knowledge of Epstein’s abuse, and is set for further sworn testimony. USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area on St. Thomas; police are asking the public for information as detectives trace the timeline and motive. USVI Emergency Connectivity: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers check on family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Regional Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted tsunami checks, with authorities confirming no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. Local Governance/Infrastructure: A federal repair backlog report highlights long delays and health/safety risks in aging federal buildings, including issues like leaks and broken elevators.

Federal Facilities Backlog: A new report says decades of deferred maintenance are leaving federal buildings across the country with serious health and safety problems, including leaks, mold, and outdated elevators—while repair approvals can take more than a year. USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton at Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; police say the shooting likely happened late Wednesday night into early Thursday. USVI Emergency Connectivity: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the territory to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers stay in touch during earthquake impacts. Caribbean Travel Incident: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical emergency during a snorkeling excursion off St. Maarten while traveling on the Star of the Seas. Congress & Epstein Fallout: House Oversight Committee subpoenas target billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Epstein-related litigation; Black denies wrongdoing. Regional Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with authorities reporting no tsunami threat.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found with multiple gunshot wounds near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; police say the incident likely occurred late June 24 and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Local Law & Rights: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144 into law, overhauling USVI firearm licensing and registration to reduce discretion and align with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, after months of local debate and federal legal scrutiny. Regional Emergency Response: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire south of St. Thomas; the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Earthquake Watch (USVI impact): A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but authorities reported no tsunami threat and no action was required. Community Connectivity: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers stay in touch during earthquake disruptions. Federal Political Fallout (Epstein probe): House Oversight issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Epstein-related claims; Black says the move is a political stunt. Lottery (USVI players): Powerball jackpot is $348M for Saturday, June 27 (numbers: 3-16-28-30-59, Powerball 11).

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating a fatal shooting at Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; 34-year-old Michiah Morton was found dead early Thursday, and detectives are tracing what happened late Wednesday night. USVI Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144, overhauling the territory’s firearm licensing and registration rules to align with recent Supreme Court rulings and reduce subjective discretion. USVI Emergency Support: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the territory to Venezuela through June 28, aimed at helping customers stay in touch during earthquake disruptions. USVI Federal/Legal Spotlight: House Oversight Committee subpoenas hit billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation; he’s set to return for sworn testimony July 16. Caribbean/Regional Alerts: A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check for Puerto Rico and the USVI, but officials said no tsunami threat was expected.

Local Public Safety: VIPD is investigating a fatal shooting at Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; police identified the victim as 34-year-old Michiah Morton and say the shooting likely happened late June 24, with detectives still tracing motive and last movements. Territory Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144 into law, overhauling USVI firearm licensing and registration to remove discretion and align with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Disaster Response/Comms: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 after the earthquakes, aimed at helping families coordinate and check on loved ones. Federal Oversight (Epstein): House Oversight subpoenas hit billionaire Leon Black after he refused to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements tied to Epstein; lawmakers say they want details on whether Epstein was involved and why NDAs were used. Regional Alerts (Earthquake): A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check for Puerto Rico and the USVI, but authorities confirmed no tsunami threat and canceled advisories. International Crisis (Venezuela): Back-to-back major quakes continue to drive rising casualty reports and emergency declarations as rescue teams work through collapsed areas.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating a fatal shooting at Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas that left 34-year-old Michiah Morton dead; police say the shooting likely happened late Wednesday night and are urging anyone with information to come forward. USVI Law & Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the “2026 Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act” (Bill No. 36-0144), overhauling firearm licensing and registration to remove subjective discretion and align with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Earthquake Watch (USVI): A magnitude 5.0 quake near Isla Mona prompted a tsunami check for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but authorities confirmed no tsunami threat and said no action is required. Venezuela Disaster Impact: After twin major earthquakes devastated Venezuela, Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help residents stay in touch during the crisis. Federal Politics/Justice (Epstein): In the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe, billionaire Leon Black denied involvement in Epstein’s abuse, but refused to answer questions about NDAs—triggering subpoenas and another deposition next month.

USVI Gun Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144 into law, overhauling the territory’s firearm licensing and registration rules and aiming to align processes with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, after months of local pushback and a federal veto request from Sen. Mike Lee. Airport Disruption: A New York-bound passenger was arrested at Cyril E. King Airport after an alleged intoxicated disturbance that led to multiple misdemeanor charges, including complaints from travelers and airport vendors. Venezuela Quakes, Regional Ripples: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, with officials reporting rising deaths and injuries; tsunami advisories for the U.S. Virgin Islands were issued then canceled after monitoring found no destructive threat. Epstein Probe Fallout: House Oversight is set to question billionaire Leon Black in a closed-door session tied to Jeffrey Epstein, while new releases keep parsing what Epstein flight logs and estate records do—and don’t—show. Culture & Community: HBO Max’s “The Welcome Table” spotlights climate-driven displacement, while USVI-linked attention continues alongside grant and arts coverage in the wider region.

Firearms Policy: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144 into law, overhauling the territory’s firearm licensing and registration rules and aiming to remove subjective discretion while aligning with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, after months of local pushback and a federal veto request tied to Second Amendment and suppressor restrictions. Public Safety & Courts: At Cyril E. King Airport, a New York-bound passenger was arrested after an alleged late-night disturbance that included harassing travelers and vendors and repeatedly touching law enforcement, according to Superior Court documents. Disaster Watch: Two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela (7.2 and 7.5), collapsing buildings and triggering a tsunami advisory for the U.S. Virgin Islands that was later canceled when monitoring found no destructive threat; the death toll rose to 164 with hundreds injured as rescue efforts continued. Territorial Insurance Law: The VI Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation issued Bulletin 2026-04 on Act No. 9100, increasing the Insurance Guaranty Fund funding level to $55 million and raising the insolvency payout limit to $75,000 less $50 for future claims. Federal Oversight (Epstein): New reporting highlights lawmakers’ focus on Jeffrey Epstein-related files and secret settlements, including questions expected to be pressed during Leon Black’s House Oversight testimony.

Disaster Response & Regional Impact: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez says the death toll from back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes has climbed to 164, with 971 injured, after the government declared La Guaira a disaster zone and issued a national state of emergency; the quakes struck minutes apart near Morón, damaged Caracas infrastructure including the Maiquetía airport, and triggered tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Governance & Insurance Policy: The Virgin Islands Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation issued Bulletin 2026-04 explaining Act No. 9100’s changes to the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund—raising the required funding level from $50 million to $55 million and increasing the maximum payout to $75,000 less $50 for future claims. Federal Oversight & Accountability: House Oversight Committee investigators are expected to press billionaire Leon Black over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein as lawmakers probe secret settlements and the Justice Department’s handling of the case. Territorial Representation: A new analysis revisits why U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—have no voting senators and only nonvoting House representation, tying it to the Insular Cases.