From left to right, mugshots of T-Ssadiq Joseph and George Richards III. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A V.I. Police Department Community Service Officer and another man were arrested Saturday night in Frederiksted after police said they forcefully took a victim’s chain near Rainbow Beach, a case that led the department to publicly state that the employee’s alleged actions do not reflect VIPD’s standards or professionalism.
According to VIPD, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report at about 8:34 p.m. on April 5 of a robbery in the vicinity of Rainbow Beach in Prosperity, Frederiksted. When responding officers arrived, they made contact with a detective who had already detained T-ssadiq Joseph.
Members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau were assigned to the case. During the investigation, police said it was disclosed that George Richards III and Joseph forcefully took the victim’s chain. VIPD said both men were positively identified as the suspects responsible for the robbery.
Richards, 18, and Joseph, 20, were advised of their Miranda Rights and arrested on charges of robbery in the second degree and grand larceny, according to police. Bail for each was set at $50,000. VIPD said both men were booked, were unable to post bail, and were remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending an Advice of Rights hearing set for April 7, 2026, in Superior Court.
In the release, Assistant Commissioner Sean Santos addressed Joseph’s role within the department.
“The Virgin Islands Police Department will not tolerate conduct that violates the standards, values, and ethical obligations expected of those who serve our community. The alleged actions of Mr. T-Ssadiq Joseph do not reflect the character or professionalism of this Department.
"As a Community Service Officer, Mr. Joseph is held to the highest standards of integrity and public trust, and any violations are taken seriously and addressed accordingly. We thank the community members who came forward to assist in this matter and commend the officers and members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau for their prompt response and professionalism.
"The Virgin Islands Police Department remains committed to serving with honor, enforcing the law without bias, and upholding the trust placed in us by the community.”
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