Crime

'I Work Harder Than Golden': Stephanie Barnes Takes Stand in Her Own Defense as Trial Nears End

Stephanie Barnes, the former Casino Control Commission contractor who in 2019 was charged by the federal government with conspiracy to commit theft from programs and receiving federal funds in violation of U.S. law, receipt of stolen government monies, and filing a false tax return in violation of Virgin Islands law, took the stand in her defense on Tuesday after none of 15 witnesses showed up to testify on her behalf. Included on the list of witnesses was Governor Albert Bryan. The governor's name on the list appears to be tied to the V.I.C.C.C. contract that was given to Ms. Barnes in 2015 over many others who had bid for the work, including either Mr. Bryan or a company he worked for at the time. Former Governor John P. de Jongh was also on the list. On Tuesday, at the District Court on St. Croix, Judge Robert Molloy listened as Ms. Barnes was questioned under oath by U.S. Assistant Attorney Jill Koster, who in her opening remarks on Dec. 8 said Ms. Barnes "knew what was in [Viole...