Mugshot of Edward Richards. Photo: The Virgin Islands Police Department

According to court documents, at approximately 8 a.m. Christmas morning, police were notified of a reported burglary at Chocolate Hole Apartments. The victim had provided a description of the burglar, which prompted police to visit the Power Boyd plantation area.

There, they met Edward Richards, who they say matched the description of the suspect, including the clothing he was wearing and the tattoo on his left shoulder. “It was also noted that Mr. Richards had recently been released from prison for similar offenses and resided approximately 40 feet from the complainant's apartment,” documents submitted to court indicate. Court records further reveal that Richards has had at least 6 matters before the courts, with a total of 17 felony counts between 2018 and 2023. However, he has been convicted only twice in that timeframe; with all other charges against him dismissed by way of plea agreements.

On Dec 25, when he was detained by police, the resident whose home was broken into positively identified Richards as the man who forcibly entered the apartment, reportedly damaging the door frame, locking mechanism and security bar in the process.

Richards was then arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, trespass, destruction of property and disturbance of the peace. Initial bail was set at $52,000, and he was transported to St. Thomas to be remanded into custody while awaiting his advice of rights hearing.

Judge finds probable cause

In court on Friday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold all charges against Richards. The judge ordered that a 10% bail provision be put in place. If Richards is able to secure his release ahead of trial, he will be required to report to the probation office twice a week in person, and immediately begin a work search if he is terminated from his current job.

The next court appearance for Mr. Richards is scheduled for January 10, 2025.