Mugshot of Akeem Forbes. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — Akeem Forbes has been charged with child abuse and domestic violence assault after police say he forced his way into an Estate Nazareth residence and repeatedly punched his 9-year-old son.
Forbes appeared Thursday before Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull, who found probable cause to uphold charges of child abuse, simple assault as a crime of domestic violence, two counts of unlawful and forcible entry, and disturbance of the peace.
Bail was set at $25,000, with 5 percent payable in cash to secure his release.
Police were alerted Friday to a report of child abuse in Estate Nazareth. Responding officers met with a woman who said she and her minor relative were at home when the child’s father, Forbes, arrived at the residence.
According to the woman, Forbes had been contacted regarding the child’s behavior but had previously been instructed not to come to the home because she did not approve of the way he disciplined the boy.
Forbes nevertheless arrived and began knocking on the door, the woman told police. When no one opened it, he allegedly forced his way inside, cornered his son and punched him several times.
Police said the woman reported that one of the blows accidentally struck her as she attempted to shield the child. Forbes eventually left the residence and drove away.
Investigating officers returned the following day, but the woman declined to provide any additional statements. Based on the child’s injuries and other evidence collected, however, police decided to pursue charges against Forbes.
He was located in the custody of the Bureau of Corrections, where he was being held following his arrest Saturday on an assault charge stemming from an altercation with a woman at a service station. Forbes had been satisfactorily discharged from probation in 2025 after serving a sentence for assaulting the same woman.
Should Forbes be released from detention while awaiting trial in both pending matters, he must report to the probation office in person twice each week and enroll in a designated violence-prevention program by July 14.
Magistrate VanHolten-Turnbull also ordered that any visits between Mr. Forbes and his minor son be supervised. He is prohibited from entering the residence he allegedly forced his way into last week.
Other standard bail conditions also apply.
Mr. Forbes is scheduled to return to court on July 24.
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