ST. CROIX — A man wanted on multiple charges in Virginia was arrested in St. Croix last week and now awaits extradition, according to the V.I. Department of Justice.

Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced that 28-year-old Isaac Encarnacion was taken into custody on February 11 following a coordinated law enforcement effort. Encarnacion, a fugitive from Virginia, faces several charges related to alleged sexual crimes.

Encarnacion appeared before Judge Yolan C. Brow Ross at the V.I. Superior Court on February 13, 2025, for his Advice of Rights Hearing. During the proceedings, it was confirmed that the state of Virginia is prepared to extradite him to face charges. He was granted bail while awaiting extradition.

The search for Encarnacion began when DOJ Territorial Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) Investigator Shanavia Martin received a request for assistance from Sergeant Julianna Hill of the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia on January 30. Sergeant Hill informed authorities that Encarnacion was wanted for multiple sexual offenses and was believed to be residing in Christiansted, St. Croix, at either Cotton Valley Two or Sierra Verde.

On January 31, surveillance was conducted at the Sierra Verde residence, where law enforcement confirmed his presence. On February 11, he was located driving westbound on Eastend Road near the Tide Village Service Station in a grey Toyota Tundra. Officers arrested him without incident and transported him to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station for processing before transferring him into the custody of the Bureau of Corrections.

According to the indictment, Encarnacion is charged with the sodomy of a child under the age of 13, with the alleged offenses occurring between August 29, 2022, and June 9, 2023, in Mathews County, Virginia. Additional charges include abduction with the intent to defile, aggravated sexual battery of a child, cruelty to children, and indecent liberties with a child under the age of 15 by a stepparent.

Attorney General Rhea commended the law enforcement officials involved in the arrest, including Criminal Division Chief Amie Simpson, DOJ Investigator Shanavia Martin, VIPD Sergeant Moses President, and members of the VIPD Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and Intel Unit.

“The Attorney General’s office, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, remains committed to ensuring that individuals fleeing justice are quickly brought to account,” said Attorney General Rhea. “Encarnacion’s arrest is a testament to our ongoing efforts to protect the community and uphold the rule of law.”