ST. CROIX, VI – Shabukah Bannis, 29, of St. Croix, is facing the consequences for turning a routine traffic stop into a federal weapons charge. Bannis was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Friday, June 20, 2025, after being convicted of unlawfully possessing a machine gun, Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced.
The bust went down November 30, 2023, when Virgin Islands Police Department officers pulled Bannis over. The smell of marijuana wafting from the vehicle gave them probable cause to search, and what they found wasn’t just a small-time drug offense. Alongside the marijuana, officers discovered a fully loaded machine gun, its serial number deliberately scratched off, hidden under the driver’s seat. A clear attempt to conceal an illegal weapon.
Federal authorities didn’t mess around. Bannis was quickly charged and brought before U.S. District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis. The obliterated serial number adds another layer to the crime, indicating an intent to evade law enforcement and potentially a connection to other criminal activity. This wasn’t just about owning a gun; it was about possessing a weapon designed for rapid fire and actively concealing its origins.
During sentencing, Judge Lewis delivered a stark warning. “The message must be loud, clear, and unmistakable—the possession of these types of weapons of war cannot and will not be tolerated in this community,” she stated. The judge’s remarks underscore the seriousness with which the courts are treating illegal firearms, particularly in a territory already grappling with violence.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods successfully prosecuted the case, bringing Bannis to justice. The collaborative approach highlights the commitment of both local and federal agencies to dismantling criminal networks and keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts and community engagement. PSN aims to create safer neighborhoods by targeting the most dangerous offenders and fostering stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve. The Bannis sentencing is a clear signal that those who choose to arm themselves with illegal weapons will face significant federal penalties.
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Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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