The District Court of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas-St. John District in January 2025. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM.
On Tuesday, District Court Judge Mark Kearney set dates for the sentencing of Benjamin Hendricks and Calvert White. Last week, the local businessman and the former commissioner of Sports, Parks and Recreation and pair were convicted of fraud and bribery following a weeklong trial.
Although each charge carries a statutory maximum—20 years for wire fraud and 10 years for bribery—actual sentencing will be determined based on federal sentencing guidelines, the defendants’ criminal history, and the circumstances of the offense. If considered first-time offenders, both are likely to receive sentences below the statutory maximum.
Mr. Hendricks, the judge ordered, will be sentenced on December 2, 2025, while Mr. White will learn his fate on December 5. The men remain free on bail until then.
Amidst the sentencing of the two men, the trial of Ray Martinez and Jenifer O'Neal is set to begin. Scheduled for December 3 before Judge Kearney, this trial is expected to feature testimony from David Whitaker, the former owner of Mon Ethos Pro Support.
Just as the jury determined he did with Mr. White, Mr. Whitaker is also alleged to have offered bribes to former Police Commissioner Martinez and former OMB Director O'Neal in exchange for favorable treatment regarding contract payments.
