Jennifer Erema Hunte, 36, of St. Thomas has pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement to the FBI, in connection with their search for Joseph Simmonds. Simmonds was wanted in connection with the burglary and arson of the home of Assistant United States Attorney Curtis Gomez.
FBI investigators had questioned Hunte about the whereabouts of Simmonds, telling her that harboring a federal fugitive was itself a federal offense. Agents told Hunte there was a warrant out for the arrest of Simmonds, according to a release from the office of United States Attorney James A. Hurd Jr.
Hunte denied that Simmonds was in her apartment. Soon after, Simmonds was arrested while climbing out her back window.
The maximum sentence for making a false statement to the FBI is five years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
