ST. CROIX MAN, 65, CHARGED WITH SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD

St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Juan Bermudez, 65, of St. Croix, was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, aggravated rape second degree, and unlawful sexual contact second degree. If convicted, Bermudez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 to 15 years and up to life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to protecting our children and will continue to work jointly with the Virgin Islands Police Department to investigate and pursue individuals who sexually abuse our children”, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas.

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.