Mugshot of Paul Girard. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Paul Girard, 36, and three associates from his criminal organization were sentenced to multiple life terms on charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), as announced by United States Attorney Delia L. Smith on Wednesday. These sentences mark a significant crackdown on violent criminal activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Girard, the acknowledged leader of the group, orchestrated a reign of terror that included murders, robberies, assaults, and kidnappings, largely conducted from behind bars. “Murders, robberies, assaults, gun violence, kidnappings, all ordered by Girard while he was incarcerated. Many lives have been affected by this senseless violence, but the life sentences issued by the court send a strong message that our system of justice works, and anyone who commits these heinous crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Smith.
According to court documents, Girard, known as “Bogus,” directed his gang's operations from prison, ordering shootings against rival gang members and orchestrating armed robberies of jewelry stores across St. Thomas. His orders led to several brutal acts carried out by his crew, notably by Tyler Eugene, also known as “Lucc”, and Kareem Harry, referred to as “Crumbull”.
Detailed Sentences:
- Paul Girard received life in prison plus 47 years for his role in RICO conspiracy, multiple VICAR murders, kidnappings, attempted murders, and armed robberies.
- Tyler Eugene, aka “Lucc”, 26, was implicated directly in the violence, committing murder at Girard’s behest. He murdered Juan Encarnacion, III, a rival gang member, outside a convenience store. Eugene was sentenced to life plus 30 years for RICO conspiracy, VICAR murder, and using a firearm to cause death.
- Kareem Harry, known as “Crumbull”, 36, was instrumental in the murder of Eddie Harriette, Jr., who was believed to have stolen from Girard’s gang. Harry also orchestrated the setup leading to the fatal shooting of Jermaine Williams, a rival gang member. He received a life sentence plus 20 years for RICO conspiracy, VICAR murder, kidnapping, and using a firearm during a violent crime.
- Shaquielle Correa received 17 years and six months for RICO conspiracy.
- James Cruz was sentenced to 12 years for RICO conspiracy.
- Shermyra Gumbs received eight years and four months for her role in the conspiracy.
- Wahilli James was given six years for RICO conspiracy.
- Wayne Bellille received four years and nine months for RICO conspiracy.
- Etherneal Simon was sentenced to two years and 10 months for RICO conspiracy and money laundering.
- Shaquan Prentice received a 25-year sentence for his involvement in the conspiracy.
The investigation was led by the FBI San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas and St. Croix Resident Agencies and the Virgin Islands Police Department. This case, part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, was prosecuted by prominent attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, Human Rights and Special Prosecution Sections, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
