BVI News

BVIslander arrested for illegal entry in USVI

A 19-year-old BVIslander is facing multiple federal charges in the US Virgin Islands after authorities allegedly found suspected child exploitation material on his cellphone following his arrest for illegally re-entering the US territory.

Court documents allege that federal agents encountered Bruce Wheatley – who is of a Tortola address – in the Havensight area of St. Thomas some time last week. Investigators reportedly identified him as someone who had previously been deported from the United States in May 2026 and prohibited from re-entering the country for five years.

Authorities said Wheatley was taken into custody and a search of his cellphone uncovered sexually explicit material depicting what appeared to be a minor engaged in sexual activity with an adult. Wheatley was then detained pending further court proceedings in the USVI.

According to the USVI Attorney’s Office, Wheatley appeared before a judge on June 29 for his initial court hearing.

The investigation is being led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while prosecutors from the USVI  Attorney’s Office are handling the case.

Share the news

Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

2 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. Oh Okay says:

    Very funny detail is that they didn’t search his phone. Someone noticed his screen while he was using it and according to him the video was just sent to him.

    Folks, the general advise given to those who are sent CSAM is to immediately delete it from your device. Do not keep it for evidence. There is no surefire way to tell if a person was sent something on accident, purposefully requested the media or are a distributor themself. Treat it like a bomb and make distance.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  2. wellsah says:

    a decent lawyer should be able to get that charge dropped but now they got pc to search his phone. if his backside wasn’t violating his deportation order esp after getting off on prev charges he wouldn’t be going thru this.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2

Leave a Comment