Cocaine and cash – a deadly combination that has landed one Dominican Republic national in hot water with federal authorities. Carlos Alexis Olivares-Taveras, 34, was ordered detained pending trial, or until the defense seeks a reopening of his detention hearing, following his arrest on federal drug and immigration offenses.
According to court documents, on September 22, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner law enforcement agencies conducting an immigration enforcement operation in St. Thomas stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant. During the stop, agents observed a white powdery substance in the driver’s side door panel.
A search of the vehicle revealed eleven baggies containing a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine and approximately $4,000 in U.S. currency. The sheer amount of cocaine and cash found in the vehicle raises questions about the scope of Olivares-Taveras’ alleged operation. During an interview, the defendant admitted that the cocaine and money belonged to him.
Olivares-Taveras also admitted that he had entered the United States unlawfully by boat from Tortola to St. John in February 2025 without presenting himself at a lawful port of entry. This brazen disregard for U.S. immigration laws has earned him an additional charge of illegal entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1).
Olivares-Taveras is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge. The severity of the charges against him underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of federal authorities to crack down on drug trafficking and immigration crimes.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro prosecuting the case. As the case moves forward, it will be important to watch how the prosecution presents its evidence and how the defense responds to the charges. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The detention of Olivares-Taveras serves as a reminder of the federal government’s commitment to enforcing U.S. laws and protecting its borders. As the investigation continues, Grimy Times will provide updates on this developing story, shedding light on the complexities of federal crime and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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