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Press Release

St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor for Illegal Sexual Activity

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, USVI – On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Rashead Gerard, 23, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr., to attempted coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.

According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about August12, 2019, Defendant responded to an ad posted online. A Homeland Security Investigations agent posed as the father of a female minor, who was looking for a tour guide to show her around for an hour or two. The defendant asked what the minor wanted to do and the agent replied “anything that you’re up for.” The agent told the defendant that the minor was 14 and the defendant told the agent he would pay for 30 minutes to engage in sexual activity with the minor. They agreed to meet at the Fort in Frederiksted around 5:30 p.m. The defendant was arrested when he went to the agreed-upon location and condoms and money were found in his car.

Gerard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2021.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.

Updated November 2, 2020