ST. CROIX — Former government official Darin Richardson has submitted character letters for a District Court judge to consider prior to his sentencing scheduled for Thursday on multiple counts including bank fraud and money laundering.
Richardson, by and through his attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, submitted three additional character letters Tuesday for District Judge Mark Kearney’s consideration. He also included four letters previously filed and addressed to Senior District Judge Wilma Lewis for ease of reference, according to a court document.
Richardson, former chief operating officer of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, was convicted on March 5, 2025, on all five counts, including a local charge of criminal conflict of interest and four federal charges. He was federally convicted of bank fraud, money laundering, making a materially false statement, and making a false statement on loan and credit applications.
READ MORE: Darin Richardson found guilty on all five counts including fraud after jury deliberates for one day
Richardson’s crimes were connected to his duties as the former VIHFA chief operating officer and a multi-million-dollar contract the Authority awarded to Island Services Group LLC for the management of lumber.
Veronica Richardson, the defendant’s wife of 30 years, in a letter to the judge asking for his leniency at sentencing, wrote that her husband — and father of their three sons — has always demonstrated qualities such as compassion, responsibility, and dedication. She noted her husband’s decision to make their family his priority has largely contributed to their sons’ growth into courteous, respectful, and productive young men. She wrote that her husband has set an example in the educational arena that has inspired their achievements.
“We recognize that the charges in this case are serious, but Darin has shown us how to endure through hardships with humility and grace and has remained a loving father and husband with a mature sense of duty and responsibility,” she wrote.
Dawn Henry, former commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, indicated in her letter asking the court for leniency at sentencing that she has known Darin Richardson more than 40 years since high school, most recently professionally interacting from 2015 to 2018 when she served as a VIHFA board member. She noted that Darin Richardson’s presentations to the board were always impeccable, and that he consistently demonstrated forthrightness in providing the information necessary to make informed decisions. She noted that Darin Richardson was given additional responsibilities as chief operating officer based on his valuable contributions to the Authority’s success.
Henry indicated she was shocked and saddened when she heard the news of Darin Richardson’s arrest. She stated that she knows the defendant is prepared to accept the court’s judgment. In a recent conversation, she wrote that he expressed that he continues to feel blessed for the opportunity to serve the Virgin Islands as well as to remain actively involved in his church and family life.
“I am confident that a sentence allowing Darin the opportunity for continued rehabilitation and reintegration into society would serve the interests of justice,” Henry wrote.
Attorney Denise Rhymer, who indicated in her letter that she worked as special counsel for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program within VIHFA, expressed concern that a grave miscarriage of justice has occurred in this case.
“I believe the jury has reached an incorrect verdict, despite their dedication and hard work in examining the facts,” she wrote. “Evidence presented during the trial may have been misinterpreted or overshadowed by circumstantial factors, leading to a verdict that does not align with the truth of Mr. Richardson’s actions and intentions. This is a person who, to my knowledge, has always been respectful of the law and committed to upholding strong ethical standards in both his personal and professional life.”
Kearney also received character letters from two pastors — Keithley Saunders Sr., pastor of Grace Baptist Church, and Fernando Leonard, senior pastor of Faith Christian Fellowship Church — as well as from Darin Richardson’s friend Nicole Scatliffe and his niece Loreli Bess.
Darin Richardson was indicted along with Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne but he stood trial alone after his case was severed. The Charlemagnes, who are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and nine counts of making false claims against the United States, are awaiting trial on July 13. Davidson Charlemagne, whose trucking company is tied to the lumber contract, is also charged with fraud involving federally funded programs.
