Mugshot of Roberto Rodriguez Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A man has been charged with destruction of property and disturbance of the peace after an older female relative reported that he caused a drunken scene which made her fear for her life.
Roberto Rodriguez III was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning after the relative called police to report that he was arguing and using derogatory terms against her. While she told police Rodriguez did not hit her, the woman stated that she feared for her life due to his drunken state. As a result, she locked herself in a bedroom while he knocked on the door demanding to use her cellphone.
According to the probable cause fact sheet accompanying his arrest, Rodriguez allegedly smashed the woman’s fan and vase before driving off in her vehicle. Based on the account she provided to the police, she had given him permission to use the vehicle earlier in the day but wanted it back.
Police officers observed the broken fan and vase on the living room floor when they responded to the report. While they patrolled the area in search of the suspect, the officers were dispatched back to the residence after the woman reported that Rodriguez had returned to cause another disturbance. Upon arriving at the residence once more, they made contact with Rodriguez who was arrested and charged.
At an advisement hearing on Monday, Rodriguez was informed that he faces a maximum incarceration of 1 year if found guilty of destruction of property. Meanwhile, the offense of disturbance of the peace carries a maximum sentence of thirty days.
Both charges have been categorized as crimes of domestic violence.
During the proceedings, public defender Kathryn Slade recommended that Rodriguez be released on the signing of an unsecured bond valued at $1000. However, Assistant V.I. Attorney General Jasmine Griffin argued that bail should be set at $5000 as Rodriguez has a prior 2010 conviction for domestic violence.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Darryl Donohue stated that Rodriguez would be able to obtain bail on the signing of an unsecured bond in the amount of $5000. This will also have to be signed by his third-party custodian who has been approved by the court.
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