Bail has been set for Carl Gumbs, who has been charged with first-degree rape and first-degree unlawful sexual contact for an alleged incident that is said to have occurred in the US Virgin Islands (US) on July 31, 2021. Photo: VIPD

The defendant identified as Carl Gumbs, age 30, was born in Anguila but has lived in the US Virgin Islands for 22 years. While police have not released details surrounding the alleged offenses other than the victim being an adult female, Gumbs was detained on November 15, 2021, following a warrant for his arrest.

$35K bail granted

Prior to his advisement hearing, the defendant’s bail was set at $35,000 by a magistrate judge. During the virtual hearing on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, public defender Alexia Furlow asked that Gumbs be allowed release on the posting of 10 percent of the amount, arguing that he is not an overall danger to society or a flight risk. Furlow noted that while Gumbs was not born in the territory, he has spent the majority of his life here and several family members appeared virtually on his behalf, all of whom reside in St Thomas. 

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Henry Carr stated that Gumbs, who is self-employed, would be released on the posting of 10 percent of the $35,000 bail. He will be released into the care of two relatives who will act as joint third-party custodians and must surrender all travel documents. The judge noted that he saw no need for a curfew in this particular case and opted not to impose one. However, he stressed that Gumbs is strictly forbidden from having any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim. He is also prohibited from attempting to contact her through her two friends who are said to have traveled with her from mainland USA to St. Thomas. Judge Carr noted that the defendant must not under any circumstances attempt to influence the testimony of the victim or any potential witnesses in the case.

An arraignment date of December 3, 2021, has been set for Carl Gumbs where he will get an opportunity to enter a formal plea to the charges against him.

If convicted of first-degree rape, Gumbs faces not less than 10 but no more than 30 years in prison. The offense of first-degree unlawful sexual contact carries a prison term not exceeding 15 years.