ST. CROIX — A St. Thomas resident has filed a civil lawsuit against the Virgin Islands Police Department, the VI government, and a former VIPD officer, alleging that the officer took his gold chain during his arrest and failed to log it in his intake inventory.
Lavelle Campbell II, represented by attorney Kelsha Williams, filed his complaint on May 29 in Superior Court, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. The case stems from his Sept. 28, 2024 arrest by then-officer Alisha Sommersall.
Campbell was previously charged in a criminal case arising from the same incident, which included allegations involving use of a vehicle as a weapon, firearm possession, and obstruction of police. He later pleaded guilty on Sept. 3, 2025, to one count of third-degree assault under a plea agreement in which other charges were to be dismissed upon successful completion of probation. He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison, all suspended, and placed on supervised probation.
In the civil complaint, Campbell alleges he was wearing a gold chain and pendant at the time of his arrest and that Sommersall was seen in possession of the jewelry. He further alleges the items were never logged in his intake inventory at the Bureau of Corrections and were not returned despite multiple requests to VIPD.
The lawsuit includes two counts. The first, conversion, alleges Campbell purchased the chain in November 2022 for $14,000 and estimates its current value at about $28,000. He claims Sommersall wrongfully deprived him of the property while acting within the scope of her duties, and that VIPD and the government are liable as her employers.
The second count alleges negligent infliction of emotional distress, claiming Campbell was unable to protect his property while handcuffed and in custody and suffered ongoing emotional distress because of the alleged loss.
Campbell is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest. A jury trial has been demanded. Defendants have not yet filed a response.
