Mugshot of Leroy Cornelius. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Bail has been set in the amount of $25,000 for a man facing decades in prison after being slapped with four weapon-related charges.
Leroy Cornelius, 34, was charged with constructive possession of an unlicensed firearm, constructive possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm within 1000 feet of a housing community and as a felon in possession of a firearm. The offenses carry maximum prison sentences ranging from 7 to 40 years and fines of $10,000 to $50,000.
On Friday morning officers from the VIPD Special Operations Bureau, Special Response Team, K-9 Unit, Criminal Investigation Bureau and Forensics Bureau traveled to Contant Knolls to execute a search warrant. At the address in question, they encountered several individuals including multiple minors, an adult female and an adult male later identified as Leroy Cornelius.
During a search of the master bedroom where Cornelius was found, officers discovered a firearm containing a fully loaded magazine but no round chambered. The weapon was later identified as a Glock, Model 19, 9mm handgun. Officers later discovered that the weapon contained a total of 15 cartridges of what appeared to be 9mm ammunition.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Cornelius had no license permitting him to own or carry a weapon in the territory. He was advised of his rights and arrested but declined to provide a statement. During the booking process, it was discovered that he was previously convicted of a felony in connection with 1995 charges for first-degree robbery.
The accused appeared for a virtual advisement hearing on Monday where Judge Paula Norkaitis concluded that he would be released on the posting of 10 percent of his bail figure set at $25,000. He has been released into the third-party custody of his girlfriend and will be subject to a daily curfew of 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
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