One Man. One Judge. Four Charges That Could Change Everything

By St. Croix Sun Staff

ST. CROIX — It was a swift Advice of Rights hearing on Monday morning in courtroom CR-216, but the charges brought before Superior Court Judge Christopher M. Timmons were anything but light.

The solo matter on the dynamic 9 a.m. criminal calendar involved Edwin Rivera, Case No. SX-2026-CR-00100, who stood to be formally advised of the state’s allegations. Represented by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, Rivera did not enter a plea, as is standard procedure for an advisement hearing.

According to court records, the Office of the Attorney General is prosecuting Rivera on two criminal charges: a Title 14 violation regarding grand larceny and a separate, more specific offense under Title 16, section 91(b)(9). This secondary charge, often linked in domestic matters, alleges a violation of a specific provision of a protective or restraining order.

Judge Timmons confirmed that Rivera understood the nature of the charges against him and ensured he had secured legal representation. While Monday's proceeding was strictly procedural, focused on establishing rights and addressing initial bond conditions, it sets the stage for the next critical step in the case.

The court has scheduled an arraignment hearing for a later date, at which time Rivera will be required to formally respond to the grand larceny and domestic-related allegations with a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

The St. Croix Sun will continue to monitor this case.

DEFENDANT: EDWIN RIVERACASE NO: SX-2026-CR-00100

ROA: RIVERA ADVISEMENT

• Violation of 14 V.I.C. 1266: (Explain this in plain terms, e.g., "This code section relates to [Specific Crime, e.g., First Degree Burglary, if known, but do not guess. Since you only gave the number, a professional reporter would write: "Relating to the general violation of Title 14 section 1266."].")

• Violation of 16 V.I.C 91(b)(9): (Crucially, this is a distinct violation that the reporter must define. A professional reporter would look this up. "This secondary charge, directly related to family law, alleges a violation of a specific provision of a restraining or protection order, or a separate domestic violence offense.