Mugshot of Police Officer Kimanie King Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A St. Thomas police officer who allegedly assaulted his girlfriend causing several contusions about her body was released on $500 bail pending his advisement hearing, although the charges were domestic violence-related.
V.I. law calls for individuals arrested on domestic violence matters to be imprisoned until their advisement hearing. The law was enacted in an effort to diminish any potential for further harm between the warring parties. Additionally, the V.I.P.D. often issues releases stating that individuals charged with domestic violence-related crimes are jailed pending their advisement hearing. See this post related to three domestic violence-related arrests, for example.
Officer Kimanie King, 25, was arrested and charged with simple assault and battery, and disturbance of the peace, according to the V.I.P.D.
The V.I.P.D. press release, issued Wednesday, did not reveal that Mr. King was an officer, and the matter had gone under the radar and would have most likely come to the fore during the advisement hearing set for today. However, it was brought up during Thursday's Senate session, with Senator Novelle Francis calling on Police Commissioner Designee Ray Martinez to ascertain that justice is served if the charges are true.
"I don't always believe in social media, but there's some stuff circulating on social media in regards to a police officer that may have been involved in a domestic situation. If that is true, I need for you to address that particular issue," the veteran lawmaker said.
Mr. Francis, a former police officer, chief and commissioner, added, "We don't expect our police officers to be woman beaters. Zero tolerance for domestic violence; we're not going to sit back and allow that to happen.... If there's any truth to that, we need that matter investigated and that individual separated from the police force. We're not going to allow them to be committing domestic violence because God forbid if that was my daughter. Unacceptable."
Mr. Martinez said the incident will be fully investigated. He also expressed vehement opposition to domestic violence. "It's unfortunate that these incidents occur involving our officers who are sworn to protect and serve the community. These incidents do, in fact, place the department in a negative light," he said.
The commissioner said parallel investigations were ongoing, including the criminal matter as well as an internal probe, with the V.I.P.D.'s Internal Affairs arm looking into whether the officer violated departmental policy. The commissioner said the arrest is just the first phase of the process and he expressed confidence in the justice system to effectively address the case.
Mr. Martinez closed by stating, "As commissioner, I have zero tolerance for domestic violence."
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