U.S. Virgin Islands — V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced that Cecile Douglas, 44, was found guilty yesterday on all four counts presented to the jury following a two-day trial in the Virgin Islands Superior Court on St. Croix. Douglas was convicted of Aggravated Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact in the First Degree, and Child Abuse. The victim was a child under the age of thirteen.
The jury was sworn in on Monday, June 29, 2026, and began hearing testimony that afternoon following opening statements by both parties. After all evidence was presented and closing arguments concluded on Tuesday, June 30, the jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.
“This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” Attorney General Rhea said. “Crimes against our most vulnerable victims will be prosecuted aggressively, and I commend everyone whose dedication and professionalism helped secure justice in this case.”
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the People of the Virgin Islands by V.I. Department of Justice Director of the White Collar Crime and Public Corruption Unit Patricia Lynn Pryor and Assistant Attorney General Katia Bouza. DOJ Special Investigations Division Assistant Director Gisselle Quinones assisted with jury selection and subpoenas, while Victim Witness Coordinator Juliet John-Hope provided support to the victims and witnesses throughout the trial. The investigation was conducted by Virgin Islands Police Department Detectives Sarah Velez, Ellery Quailey, and Shera Joseph. Douglas was represented by the Office of the Territorial Public Defender.
Douglas is also the defendant in a separate pending rape case scheduled for trial in August 2026.
He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment on the charges for which he was convicted. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2026, before the Honorable Ernest E. Morris of the Virgin Islands Superior Court, who presided over the trial.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov