Mugshot of Errol Jackson. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a man who robbed a bank and later told police that he wanted to be put in jail for a long time.
Errol Jackson was arrested on Friday morning after police received a call from a bank employee who reported that a man handed a note to one of the tellers which read, “I have a loaded gun, give me the money."
According to the probable cause fact sheet, the man slid the written note through the teller window and the teller responded by handing him all of the $20 bills in his work draw. The teller later told police that he tried to remain calm and made the transaction seem as normal as possible, as he had been previously taught. Jackson then exited the bank with the money in hand, at which point the teller asked his supervisor to request help.
When police arrived at the financial institution, they found Jackson sitting outside the bank after being detained by the security officer. That security officer later told police that after exited the bank, Jackson threw the money on the ground outside and directed the security officer to call the police. After being read his rights, Jackson reportedly exclaimed, “I want to go to jail, but I don’t want to go to jail for no little bit of time.” Contrary to the claim in his note, a search of Jackson’s person and backpack revealed that he was not in possession of a firearm. The money which amounted to $2,160 was collected from the ground and returned to the bank, while Jackson was arrested and transported to the Bureau of Corrections.
While the suspect initially identified himself to police as John Joseph, an index record check revealed that he had previously been arrested and that his real name was Errol Jackson. During his interview, he told officers that he was sick of living on a “piece of shit” world and would rather live in jail. He admitted to writing the note, obtaining the money, and then throwing it in the air while waiting to be arrested. He also expressed that he wanted to go to jail and remain there, even going as far as telling officers that if he is granted bail and allowed to leave the Bureau of Corrections, he would kill an inmate to ensure that he remains in jail.
At a hearing on Monday, Jackson was advised that the charge of third-degree robbery carries a maximum incarceration of 10 years. He is also charged with disturbance of the peace which is punishable by up to 90 days in prison, a fine not exceeding $100, or both.
Public Defender Mary Ann Matney asked the court to allow Jackson to post 10 percent of his bail which was set at $75,000 at the time of his arrest. She further requested that he not be subjected to house arrest as he is currently homeless. However, both Matney and Assistant Attorney General Brenda Scales agreed that Jackson should be required to undergo a mental health evaluation. Scales expressed great concern over Jackson’s threats about killing an inmate to secure his stay in prison.
At the hearing’s conclusion, Magistrate Judge Hon. Paula D. Norkaitis reduced the defendant’s bail to $50,000 with no 10 percent provision. She noted that the court is willing to hear a request for a modified bail amount if Jackson can secure a suitable third-party custodian. However, Jackson will not be released before undergoing a court-ordered mental health evaluation. He is prohibited from having contact with any of the bank’s employees or any other witnesses and must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from the organization at all times.
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