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McDonald’s Robbery: 18-Year-Old Gets 15+ Years
ST. THOMAS, USVI – A brazen daylight robbery at a Lockhart Shopping Center McDonald’s has landed 18-year-old Betel Paulino a hefty federal prison sentence. Paulino, a national of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced Thursday to a combined 174 months – over 14 years – for his role in the March 25, 2017, armed heist.
U.S. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez handed down a 90-month sentence for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and an additional 84 months for discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. The sentences will run consecutively. Beyond the immediate prison term, Paulino faces five years of supervised release after he’s locked up, and is ordered to pay a $200 special assessment fee as well as complete 400 hours of community service – a small price to pay for the terror he inflicted.
The incident unfolded when Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) officers responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the Lockhart McDonald’s. What followed was an exchange of gunfire, a dangerous situation for employees and patrons alike. According to court documents, Paulino and his accomplices quickly surrendered to law enforcement after the shootout, but the damage – and the fear – was already done. Paulino’s involvement wasn’t just being present; he was deeply involved in the scheme from the start.
Federal investigators quickly determined Paulino wasn’t just a participant, but a planner. Documents filed with the court detail his involvement in not only the execution of the robbery but also in the subsequent attempted cover-up. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2017, to both the conspiracy charge and the firearm offense, effectively admitting his guilt and paving the way for Thursday’s sentencing.
The investigation was a joint effort, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the VIPD. This collaborative approach underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are tackling violent crime in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte and former Criminal Chief Christian A. Fisanick prosecuted the case, ensuring Paulino faced the full weight of the law.
This case serves as a stark warning: armed robbery, particularly when involving firearms, carries severe consequences under federal law. The 15+ year sentence handed down to Betel Paulino should deter others from engaging in similar criminal activity in St. Thomas and beyond. Grimy Times will continue to follow federal crime cases in the Virgin Islands and report on the pursuit of justice.
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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