Samuel Melendez, 43, of St. Croix, today appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an initial appearance after his arrest by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents on the charge of possession of a firearm within a school zone.
According to court documents, on October 8, 2018, Mr. Melendez was brandishing a firearm and cursing at customers in the H & R Supermarket in Frederiksted. Mr. Melendez was later found to be in possession of a loaded .380 caliber Jimenez Arms pistol. This occurred within 1,000 feet of the St. Patrick’s Elementary School.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminded the public that an arrest warrant is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
