Dean Plaskett is returning to the Virgin Islands Port Authority after taking leave from the agency with plans to resign ahead of the incoming Plaskett-Potter administration, The Virgin Islands Consortium has learned. His return follows intense public backlash over his appointment as chief of staff of Governor-elect Stacey Plaskett's transition team and the Consortium's reporting on his federal corruption convictions.
Mr. Plaskett had already taken leave from his position at VIPA and intended to resign before the new administration assumed office on January 4, 2027. However, following the controversy surrounding his transition appointment, those plans have changed, and he is returning to the agency rather than proceeding with his anticipated resignation, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The development comes one week after the Consortium published an investigation detailing Mr. Plaskett's federal bribery and obstruction of justice convictions, which resulted in a nine-year prison sentence and a monetary judgment exceeding $1 million.
Mr. Plaskett was among the senior officials named to the Plaskett-Potter transition team following the governor-elect's November 3 election victory.
His selection immediately drew scrutiny, particularly given the incoming administration's campaign commitments to restoring public confidence, strengthening government accountability and addressing corruption.
In its November 5 report, the Consortium documented that Mr. Plaskett was convicted in February 2008 of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of obstruction of justice.
The convictions stemmed from a government contracting scheme involving more than $1.4 million in public contracts. Mr. Plaskett was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $1.08 million monetary judgment.
Following the report, Governor-elect Stacey Plaskett defended her decision to appoint him, arguing that his criminal history should not automatically disqualify him from contributing to public service.
"He has served his sentence," she said, adding that his experience and abilities should also be considered.
The governor-elect further assured the public that Mr. Plaskett would be held to the same standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability expected of other individuals serving the territory.
As questions about the appointment persisted, Ms. Plaskett repeatedly emphasized during her post-election press conference that Mr. Plaskett's role was temporary and limited to the transition period.
She described his responsibilities as serving as a liaison between herself and the transition staff, facilitating communication and helping address matters requiring her attention while she continues serving as Delegate to Congress.
Ms. Plaskett also stressed that Erwin Raphael, the transition director, was responsible for overseeing the broader operation.
During that briefing, she acknowledged the public's distrust of government following repeated corruption scandals and pledged to submit ethics legislation to the Senate on inauguration day, January 4, 2027.
Mr. Plaskett's return to VIPA, rather than proceeding with his intended resignation, represents a significant reversal of his plans as the incoming administration prepares to take office.
He held a senior management position at the authority, where the public management directory identifies him as Territorial Director of Facilities Management.
The formal status of his transition assignment remains unclear, including whether he has relinquished the chief of staff position or will continue performing any transition responsibilities while returning to VIPA.
