Kai James Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Using St. Croix Airport

James admitted to conspiracy charges involving cocaine smuggling, with operations centered at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and ties to his brother’s criminal network.

  • Staff Consortium
  • January 24, 2025
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The Henry E. Rohlsen Airport was a central hub for smuggling operations in the Ivan James drug trafficking conspiracy, with conspirators leveraging security clearances to transport cocaine to the mainland U.S. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM

Kai James, described as a key figure in a transnational drug trafficking conspiracy operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has formally pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, according to court documents filed in January 2025. This development marks another milestone in the federal government's ongoing investigation of a wide-reaching criminal network allegedly spearheaded by Ivan James, Kai’s brother, who was sentenced to 35 years in December 2024.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kai James admitted to conspiring with others to distribute cocaine and marijuana over an extended period. As outlined in court filings, the conspiracy leveraged the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix as a key hub for smuggling narcotics into the mainland United States. Co-conspirators used their positions and security clearances to facilitate the transportation of illicit substances, with Kai James allegedly playing a critical logistical role.

The plea agreement specifies a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with five years of supervised release, though exact time served will be determined during sentencing. James has also agreed to forfeit assets connected to the drug conspiracy and pay a special assessment of $100. Prosecutors emphasized that any violation of the agreement could nullify its terms and lead to additional charges​.

The federal investigation into the Ivan James drug trafficking organization has implicated several individuals, including corrections officers and airport personnel, in smuggling operations. According to U.S. Attorney Delia Smith, Ivan James orchestrated the trafficking of significant quantities of cocaine while leading a violent gang that terrorized the Virgin Islands for over a decade.

Court documents reveal that Kai James's role involved recruiting couriers, coordinating with conspirators, and facilitating the smuggling of cocaine through the airport. Prosecutors brought forth evidence, including intercepted communications and witness testimony, linking Kai to operations overseen by his brother. The network’s activities extended beyond drug trafficking, with links to violent crimes and firearms offenses​

The U.S. Attorney’s Office lauded the extensive collaboration among federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the V.I. Police Department. U.S. Attorney Smith stressed that the prosecution of Kai James and his co-conspirators represents a critical victory in addressing gang violence and drug trafficking in the region.

In December 2024, Ivan James received a 35-year sentence for leading the organization. Other members, including Jahkiebo Joseph and Malachi Benjamin, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms ranging from 68 to 93 months for their roles in the conspiracy. These sentences were lauded as a testament to the tireless work of law enforcement in holding perpetrators accountable .

Next Steps is scheduled for sentencing later this year. 

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