Crime

Gov't House Deputy Communications Director Arrested for Drunk Driving; Vehicle Hit Included Occupant Injured by Glass Debris

Gerry Yandel, Gov't House deputy communications director and former executive editor of the V.I. Daily News, was arrested on St. Thomas April 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol following a vehicular accident the same day. Mr. Yandel, who appeared in court on May 7, had his driving privileges suspended by Superior Court Judge Henry Carr III.  Government House Communications Director Richard Motta, under whom Mr. Yandel serves, told the Consortium, "I am aware of the incident involving Mr. Yandel. He is currently dealing with the legal ramifications of the incident to which he was involved." Asked if disciplinary action would be taken, Mr. Motta said he could not discuss personnel matters. According to an affidavit of the incident obtained by the Consortium, on April 25 at about 1:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to Agnes Fancy in the area of the former Driftwood Inn to respond to an auto collision. Once on the scene, contact was made with the driver of a 2008 Jeep Compas...