US Virgin Islands state worker accused of selling gov’t boat discovered during routine patrol

USVI worker accused of selling gov’t patrol boat

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands — A government official in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been accused of selling a boat that belonged to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

The statement Wednesday from the U.S. territory’s justice department alleges Jose Berrios sold a 22-foot (7-meter) Boston Whaler marine patrol vessel for $1,500.

The department says natural resources officials spotted the boat several weeks ago at someone’s house in St. Croix while on routine patrol after Hurricane Earl.

Officials allege Berrios approached a person in 2008 and claimed the boat was up for auction but could be purchased directly from Berrios for an acceptable offer.

It was unclear if Berrios has an attorney.