Mugshot of Jahkein Bourgeois. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A man wanted on multiple felony sexual offense charges now faces additional firearm and drug-related charges after police say they discovered an unlicensed weapon and narcotics during the execution of his arrest warrant.
Officers from the Intelligence Unit and Special Operations Bureau were serving an arrest warrant Thursday for Jahkein Bourgeois, who was wanted for aggravated first-degree rape of a minor under the age of 13. Authorities located him behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler near the entrance of the Contant Knolls Housing Community, conducted a traffic stop, and placed him under arrest.
According to police, after being taken into custody, Bourgeois was heard asking a nearby minor to remove a backpack from the vehicle. Officers approaching the Jeep observed a large hole in the backpack through which a black firearm was visible.
Police say Bourgeois admitted that he did not have a license to carry a firearm in the territory, telling officers that he obtained the weapon because someone had been threatening his mother’s family.
The firearm was identified as a Glock 17 equipped with a 30-round extended magazine containing several live rounds. A separate 16-round magazine was also recovered.
As a result of the discovery, Bourgeois has been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute. The latter charge stems from the alleged recovery of nearly 25 grams of cannabis, along with small plastic baggies and a digital scale.
In addition to the firearm and drug charges, Bourgeois faces two counts of first-degree aggravated rape, first-degree unlawful sexual contact, first- and third-degree assault, aggravated child abuse, and child abuse. Law enforcement authorities have not released details regarding the alleged sexual offenses.
Bourgeois appeared before Magistrate Julie Smith Todman on February 27. The court found probable cause to uphold the charges in the two separate cases.
He will be permitted release upon posting $17,500 in cash bail, along with unsecured bonds totaling $82,500.
If released pending trial, Mr. Bourgeois must comply with several conditions, including a 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on weekdays and 24-hour house arrest on weekends. He is prohibited from attending any Carnival-related activities on St. Thomas or St. John and must report to the probation office twice weekly by telephone following an initial in-person visit. He is also barred from possessing dangerous weapons or controlled substances while the case is pending.
A public defender has been appointed to represent Bourgeois. His next court appearances are scheduled for March 13.
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