Louis Willis, Bribery and Extortion, US Virgin Islands 2023

In a shocking turn of events, the former Executive Director of the Legislature of the US Virgin Islands has been charged with bribery and extortion. Louis 'Lolo' Willis, 56, of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, has been accused of accepting bribes and engaging in extortion in the award of contracts with the Legislature.

According to the indictment, Willis was the Executive Director of the Legislature between 2009 and 2012. His responsibilities included overseeing the renovation of the Legislature building, which included awarding and entering into contracts on behalf of the Legislature. These contracts included general construction, air-conditioning services, and carpentry, which were not publicly bid.

As alleged in the indictment, Willis accepted payments, including thousands of dollars in cash, from three contractors in exchange for using his official position to secure contracting work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and Willis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the FBI's San Juan Division, the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Peter Mason and Jennifer Blackwell of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Anderson of the District of the Virgin Islands.

Willis faces three counts of federal programs bribery and three counts of extortion under color of official right. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and fines.

Willis's indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. The people of the US Virgin Islands deserve transparency and honesty from their government, and it is up to the justice system to ensure that those who betray the public trust are brought to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-executive-director-virgin-islands-legislature-charged-bribery-and-extortion-award