Senator Samuel Carrion. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE
On Wednesday, Strand Street LLC filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Samuel Carrion and all other occupants of a property located on 69C King Street in Frederiksted.
According to the complaint and attached exhibits, Mr. Carrion, who operates a cafe and deli at the location, leased the property in October 2021 at an initial rate of $1,035 a month, which according to the agreement between landlord and tenant would rise annually to reach a rate of $2016.58 by October 2023.
A statement of account submitted by the landlord shows that for at least a year, Mr. Carrion has been racking up unpaid invoices. As of August 2, 2024, his outstanding balance is $26,235.77.
Strand Street LLC says that they delivered a 7-day demand for payment of past due rents on August 12, but the deadline for payment came and went with no response from Mr. Carrion, a member of the 35th Legislature. As such, they have turned to the courts, asking that the lawmaker be evicted from the premises, and a judgment entered against him for the outstanding monies due, including attorney’s fees.
Contacted for comment on the matter, Mr. Carrion said that while he is indeed the leaseholder on the property, “another party was entrusted with daily operations and management.” Because the matter is now before the courts, Mr. Carrion says that he has been advised by his attorneys to make no further comment at this time. As of press time, he has not yet filed a response with the court.
The lawsuit against Mr. Carrion was first reported by WTJX.
The senator has sponsored effective and powerful legislation, including a measure that made it legal to provide undocumented immigrants with a driver's license and an identification card. The law effectively removed many individuals from the shadows, and the government is expecting to reap benefits such as increased taxes. It remains to be seen whether the lawsuit will impact Mr. Carrion's chances of reelection on November 5.
