From left to right, Jenifer O'Neal and Ray Martinez. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE
Government prosecutors are nearly done with providing massive amounts of discovery material to attorneys for two former public officials currently facing federal fraud charges.
In the case against former police commissioner Ray Martinez and former Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O'Neal, the U.S. Attorney's Office says it has handed over approximately 2.83 terabytes of data, comprising around 2.9 million records. The information reportedly includes data extracted from computers and cell phones, among other documents prosecutors say will prove their allegations.
Government lawyers claim that the pair accepted cash bribes and other inducements for facilitating contract payments to David Whitaker and the company he owned at the time – Mon Ethos Pro Support.
With defense attorneys soon set to receive the bulk of discovery material in the case, a relatively small amount remains – less than 1 gigabyte, according to a status update filed last week in court. Preparatory work can then begin, with trial in this matter scheduled for December.
Federal prosecutors allege that Martinez and O’Neal participated in a scheme with Mon Ethos Pro Support founder David Whitaker to enrich themselves through bribes in exchange for expediting payments and contracts from the Virgin Islands Police Department. Martinez allegedly accepted luxury trips, restaurant equipment, and tuition payments for his children in return for approving and facilitating over $1.3 million in invoices submitted by Mr. Whitaker’s companies. In one instance, prosecutors say Martinez approved inflated invoices to help fund luxury travel and personal expenses. Whitaker, who pleaded guilty in September 2024 to wire fraud and bribery charges, also allegedly paid over $17,000 in rent for Ms. O’Neal’s business lease. She is accused of using her office to expedite VIPD payments in return.
Martinez and O'Neal were indicted in January 2025 and now face multiple federal charges including bribery, money laundering conspiracy, and honest services fraud. Martinez also faces obstruction of justice charges related to efforts to fabricate promissory notes and coach Whitaker on how to respond to FBI investigators. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
