On July 22, 2025, Kai James, a resident of St. Croix, was sentenced to ten years in prison and six years of supervised release for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced the sentencing by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. James had pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
The investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in January 2013 after an iPhone was seized from then-inmate Joh Williams at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility. The phone contained text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances within the prison. Further investigations revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was involved in smuggling narcotics into the facility.
Members of the gang used their access at Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix to smuggle cocaine onto commercial flights bound for the continental United States. Kai James recruited couriers to transport cocaine as passengers on these flights.
A search warrant executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James led to the recovery of marijuana, cocaine, and cultivation equipment. Agents also seized over 1,000 marijuana plants adjacent to their property.
Ivan James was found guilty on multiple charges including drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting in death. He received a sentence of 420 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Other members such as Joh Williams and Ariel Petersen were also sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper praised law enforcement agencies for their work leading to these sentences: “Due to the tremendous work...the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy sentences.” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos emphasized collaboration between federal and local partners as essential in combating crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent Michael A. Miranda stated that Kai James' guilty plea marked a significant victory against narcotics conspiracies affecting St. Croix: “This case underscores...our unwavering commitment...to dismantle criminal organizations.”
The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at disrupting high-level criminal networks threatening U.S security through collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies.