U.S. Virgin Islands – V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has announced the arrest of 28-year-old Isaac Encarnacion of St. Croix, who is facing charges as a fugitive from justice in Virginia. Encarnacion, was apprehended on St. Croix last week in connection with outstanding charges in Virginia.
Encarnacion appeared before the Honorable Judge Yolan C. Brow Ross at the V.I. Superior Court for his Advice of Rights Hearing on February 13, 2025. This follows his arrest on February 11, 2025, without incident by a coordinated effort between the V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ), Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Authorities have confirmed that the state of Virginia is prepared to extradite Encarnacion to face charges. He was granted bail while he awaits extradition.
According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, DOJ Territorial SORNA Investigator, Shanavia Martin received a request for assistance from Sergeant Julianna Hill of the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, regarding the search for Encarnacion, who was wanted for multiple sexual crimes in Virginia. On January 31, 2025, Sergeant Hill provided an arrest warrant for Encarnacion, issued by Virginia Judge Jeffrey Shaw. Sergeant Hill informed Agent Martin that Encarnacion was believed to be residing with his wife and child at either Cotton Valley Two or Sierra Verde in Christiansted, St. Croix. On the same day, surveillance was conducted at the Sierra Verde residence, where law enforcement confirmed Encarnacion’s presence by contacting him at the location. On February 11, Encarnacion was located westbound on Eastend Road near the Tide Village Service Station in a grey Toyota Tundra. He was promptly arrested without incident and transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was processed. He was then transferred into custody of the Bureau of Corrections.
The indictment charges Encarnacion with the sodomy of a child under the age of 13, with the alleged offenses occurring between August 29, 2022, and June 9, 2023, in Mathews County, Virginia. There are also several other charges including Abduction with the Intent to Defile, Aggravated Sexual Battery of Child, Cruelty to Children and Indecent Liberties with Child Under Age 15 by Stepparent.
Attorney General Rhea praised the efforts the law enforcement team involved in the arrest of Isaac Encarnacion. He extended his gratitude to prosecutor Criminal Division Chief Amie Simpson, DOJ Territorial SORNA Investigator Shanavia Martin, VIPD Sergeant Moses President, and members of the VIPD Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and Intel Unit for their diligent collaboration. “The Attorney General’s office, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, remains committed to ensuring that individuals fleeing justice are quickly brought to account,” said AG Rhea. “Encarnacion’s arrest is a testament to our ongoing efforts to protect the community and uphold the rule of law.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov