Chief public defender demands disclosure following Whitaker’s guilty plea | News

The statement followed a Daily News story published on Thursday where defense attorney Clive Rivers said that all cases involving Whitaker “have to be seriously looked at,” and “I think they’re tainted at this point.”

Todman, in his statement said “Virgin Islanders have been and continue to be pursued by evidence that was being held in confidence by this now-admitted criminal and the OTPD demands identification of those cases. The OTPD is committed to pursuing its investigation into this revelation and will seek all avenues for justice if the authorities refuse to make a willing disclosure.”

Todman could not be reached for additional comment after his statement was released, and neither VI Attorney General Gordon Rhea nor VI Police Commissioner Mario Brooks have responded to requests for comment about Whitaker’s involvement in criminal investigations.

Whitaker pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges on Sept. 12, and is awaiting sentencing.

So far, the federal investigation has determined that an agent of the VI Police Department accepted bribes from Whitaker, according to records unsealed in US District Court. The documents were partially redacted and identified the agent only as “Public Official One.”

After the federal investigation became public knowledge in June, former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez resigned alongside Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, but neither had been charged in connection with the case as of Sunday.

Mon Ethos is now doing business as “MEPSVI,” and Whitaker has transferred ownership to Curtis Jones, who said the company was not involved in any of the criminal conduct detailed in Whitaker’s plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

The police department sued Mon Ethos and Whitaker in August, demanding the return of cellphones and other evidence. Jones said the company returned the physical devices and provided the government with a way to receive cloud-based data, but they never followed up on collecting that information.

Property and Procurement Commissioner Lisa Alejandro notified Jones on Sept. 13, one day after Whitaker entered his guilty plea, that the government was terminating the company’s existing $1.49 million contract with VI Police, which expires at the end of the month. She also provided notice of termination of a $1.92 million contract with the Education Department to install cameras in St. Croix schools, and canceled a pending $1.43 million contract award with the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation.

Whitaker has been working with the police since 2022, and Todman said in the statement that it’s clear the department relied on information provided by him and his companies.

“Our Police Department entrusted