$50K reward offered as police intensify search for prison escapees

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of two fugitives who are considered armed and dangerous.

Police said the reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both residents of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

The two men escaped unlawfully from His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut last October and have remained at large since.

“At the time of their escape, Jose Almestica was serving a sentence of six years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He had also been found guilty by a nine-member jury in October 2025 for four counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm, one count of Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply. He was awaiting sentencing for these offences,” the RVIPF said in a statement on Wednesday, June 3.

“Almestica is awaiting trial in relation to the 2021 murder of Deverson Williams at Fish Bay, Tortola. He is further wanted by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands for serious offences, including First-degree Murder, Second-degree Murder, and Assault,” the police added.

Meanwhile, Burgos was being held on remand at the Balsam Ghut prison on charges related to firearms, ammunition and drug possession. He is also wanted for questioning by USVI police in connection with a 2023 murder investigation.

Police have strongly advised members of the public not to approach either man under any circumstances.

Anyone with information on the fugitives’ whereabouts is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.

“The safety of our communities remains a top priority. As long as these fugitives remain at large, there is an ongoing risk to public safety. Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating and apprehending these individuals,” the RVIPF stated.