Chief Justice of the District Court of the Virgin Islands, Judge Molloy. He started his seven-year term on April 27, 2021.
The District Court of the Virgin Islands, which was led by Judge Wilma Lewis, a St. Thomas native, for seven years, on Tuesday saw leadership change from one Virgin Islander to another, as Judge Robert Molloy commenced his tenure as chief justice of the District Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At a ceremony on Tuesday attended by local dignitaries, Judge Lewis passed the mantle to Judge Molloy, who was nominated by former President Donald Trump and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 25, 2020.
Judge Molloy, whose career as a judge started when he was appointed to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands by former Governor John P. de Jongh on July 26, 2013, will lead the District Court's vast operations, among them governance, case processing, records management, facility management, human resources, probation and pretrial services, and representing the court in interactions with other federal courts, agencies and the community, according to a description the chief justice's duties provided by the District Court.
Local leaders in attendance praised the appointment of Judge Molloy and commended Judge Lewis for her leadership. "I was honored to attend today's Passing of the Gavel ceremony at the District Court. Thank you, Judge Wilma Lewis for your service as the Chief Judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands. Congratulations and best wishes to Judge Robert Molloy as he assumes the leadership of the Court," Senate Vice President Novelle Francis said Tuesday.
"It was my distinct pleasure to witness the passing of the gavel from VI Chief District Court Judge Wilma Lewis to now VI Chief District Court Judge Robert Molloy; two distinguished Virgin Islanders. It warmed my heart to see how Chief Judge Lewis gracefully passed the Gavel to another generation with pride and grace. This was a true example of who we are as Virgin Islanders!" stated Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory.
"Great day today! I was so happy to witness the passing of the gavel to fellow Virgin Islander, Robert Molloy, Chief Judge of the VI District Court. Thank you Judge Wilma Lewis for 7 years of exemplary leadership. It is a good day when you are witness to two great Virgin Islanders who stand for true justice and equality, especially in these trying times within the criminal justice system nationwide," said Governor Albert Bryan.
According to information provided by the USVI District Court, Judge Molloy earned his law degree from the American University College of Law in Washington, D.C. He also enrolled in the joint JD/MBA program at American University earning his master's degree in business administration. Prior to attending law school, Judge Molloy attended the St. Dunstan's Episcopal School. He is said to have followed in his mother's footsteps and attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, where he graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
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