Former V.I. Police commissioner Ray Martinez and former Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal arrived at the Ron De Lugo federal courthouse Wednesday morning on St. Thomas for the start of their trial on wire fraud and bribery charges.
An indictment unsealed in January alleges the pair accepted bribes from then-government contractor turned FBI informant David Whitaker, who subsequently admitted to two counts of wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in a plea deal with prosecutors unsealed in September 2024. His sentencing is currently scheduled for June 10, 2026.
Martinez is charged with five counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, one count of Obstruction of Justice—Corrupt Persuasion, and one count of Obstruction of Justice—Falsification of Records (18 U.S.C. § 1519).
O’Neal is charged with two counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy.
Stay tuned to the Source for full trial coverage.
