Omaree Fontaine. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — An 18-year old high school student is battling felony charges after police say surveillance footage captured him and at least one other man assaulting a group of friends and stealing jewelry from at least three of them.
According to court documents, the incident reportedly occurred on October 29, and a few days later a minor child, accompanied by an older relative, reported it to the police. The minor said that he and a group of friends were near Paradise Bistro early that morning. As they walked down a hallway, a man later identified as Omaree Fontaine stepped in front of them, blocking their passage. At the same time, another person blocked them from the rear.
A physical altercation ensued, during which Fontaine and his fellow assailant — identified as Nashai Francis, who was shot to death on Dec. 7 — were reportedly able to remove the chain from the neck of the minor, and take the jewelry of two others in the group. During the assault, the now-deceased Francis is alleged to have displayed a firearm, albeit aimed at the ground. The suspects were then able to make their escape in a black Lexus.
Investigating officers were able to identify Fontaine with the help of surveillance footage of the incident, the Juvenile Justice Bureau and the School Security Bureau, police say. On December 19, a wanted poster was issued and Fontaine turned himself in later that night.
He was arrested and charged with 3rd degree robbery, aiding and abetting, disturbance of the peace, and first and third degree assault.
In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probable cause to uphold the charges against Mr. Fontaine, which now also includes possession of a dangerous weapon during commission of a crime. Bail was set at $25,000, of which a 10 percent cash payment was required to secure his release.
Following his release, Fontaine is required to contact the probation office every week by telephone, remain enrolled at school, and abide by a daily 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew. He is restricted from traveling outside the district without the written permission of the court, and must maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from the complainant at all times.
The next court appearance for Mr. Fontaine is scheduled for January 19.
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