Legal

Prosperity Farms Takes Dispute With DLCA to Federal Court, Alleging Constitutional Violations

The legal dispute between Prosperity Farms LLC and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs has moved to federal court, even as local courts continue to mull over a request for judicial review. In September, government officials shut down Prosperity Farms’ bar, food-service, and event operations, alleging that necessary permits and approvals were missing. Days later, the business asked the V.I. Superior Court to review and overturn a separate administrative decision by DLCA, claiming that due process considerations in the regulatory process were not followed. A writ of review granted in that matter was stayed pending appeal by the DLCA.  Now, however, Prosperity Farm LLC and RaisingCane NY LLC have filed a complaint in the District Court of the Virgin Islands, claiming constitutional violations as a result of the actions of DLCA officials.  The 136-page civil complaint reiterates Prosperity Farms’ objections to how a hearing to deal with several issued citations was handled ...