Mugshot of Vernon Sackey, Jr. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Update: A letter furnished to the Consortium indicates that the victim has asked that the public defender drop the case against Sackey.
In the letter, the victim states, "Vernon and I got into an argument that got out of control. He did not assault me. The bruises on my skin [were] from my cat, as I have three cats, including a very playful kitten. None of the bruises were caused by Vernon Sackey.
"I contacted 911 for police assistance so they [could] ask him to leave the residence. However, the officers saw the two small scratches on my face and one on my chin, and assumed it was caused by Vernon Sackey since I contacted 911."
The victim further stated in the letter that she had no intention of having Sackey arrested. "I am courteously asking that all charges be removed from this case," she wrote.
Original Story: ST. CROIX — V.I.P.D. officers on Monday at 3:20 p.m. arrested Vernon Sackey, Jr., age 21 of Golden Rock, and charged him with second-degree assault, domestic violence.
According to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima, Sackey is accused of choking his girlfriend, leaving visible injuries.
Sackey was not granted bail in accordance with the territory's domestic violence laws, and he was turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending advisement hearing, said Mr. Derima.
