Cecile Douglas Faces 15 Years to Life After Conviction on First-Degree Aggravated Rape and Child Abuse Charges

A St. Croix jury convicted Cecile Douglas, 44, of first-degree aggravated rape, two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual contact and child abuse involving a victim under 13; he faces 15 years to life, with sentencing set for Sept. 16 in Superior Court.

  • Staff Consortium
  • July 01, 2026
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Mugshot of Cecile Douglas. Photo Credit: VIDOJ.

ST. CROIX — Cecile Douglas was convicted on all four counts in a child sexual assault trial on St. Croix, including first-degree aggravated rape, two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual contact, and child abuse, the V.I. Department of Justice announced.

V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea said Douglas, 44, was found guilty following a two-day trial in the Virgin Islands Superior Court on St. Croix. The victim was a child under the age of thirteen.

The jury was sworn in on Monday, June 29, and began hearing testimony that afternoon after opening statements by both parties. After all evidence was presented and closing arguments concluded on Tuesday, June 30, jurors deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.

"This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable," Attorney General Rhea said. "Crimes against our most vulnerable victims will be prosecuted aggressively, and I commend everyone whose dedication and professionalism helped secure justice in this case."

The case was prosecuted on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands by V.I. Department of Justice Director of the White Collar Crime and Public Corruption Unit Patricia Lynn Pryor and Assistant Attorney General Katia Bouza.

DOJ Special Investigations Division Assistant Director Gisselle Quinones assisted with jury selection and subpoenas, while Victim Witness Coordinator Juliet John-Hope provided support to the victims and witnesses throughout the trial.

The investigation was conducted by Virgin Islands Police Department Detectives Sarah Velez, Ellery Quailey, and Shera Joseph. Douglas was represented by the Office of the Territorial Public Defender.

Douglas is also the defendant in a separate pending rape case scheduled for trial in August 2026.

He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment on the charges for which he was convicted. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2026, before Judge Ernest E. Morris of the Virgin Islands Superior Court, who presided over the trial.

 

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