ST. CROIX — A federal judge has entered final judgments against former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and government witness David Whitaker, ordering more than $900,000 in restitution, forfeiture, fines, and special assessments in a public corruption case involving inflated invoices tied to a federally funded contract.
Martinez and O’Neal were convicted on Dec. 11, 2025, for their roles in a scheme involving inflated invoices connected to a $1.48 million federally funded contract.
Martinez was convicted of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of obstruction of justice, and five counts of honest services wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney sentenced him last Tuesday to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Under the judgment, Martinez must pay $77,257.39 in restitution, a $5,000 fine, a $900 special assessment, and forfeit $128,088.79. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal following sentencing. The court waived interest on the restitution and ordered him to pay criminal monetary penalties in quarterly installments of $500 beginning 60 days after entry of judgment.
O’Neal was convicted of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of honest services wire fraud. As WTJX previously reported, Kearney sentenced her last Thursday to seven years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine, $34,345.39 in restitution jointly and severally with Martinez, a $400 special assessment, and a forfeiture judgment of $17,730.
The court waived interest on the fine and restitution after finding she lacked the ability to pay it. She is scheduled to surrender to the U.S. Marshal on St. Thomas by 2 p.m. next Tuesday.
In a letter dated Sunday, O’Neal terminated her attorney, Dale Lionel Smith, stating that her decision was based on serious concerns about the quality and attentiveness of his representation throughout her case. On Wednesday, Smith filed an appeal for O’Neal. He also filed an unopposed motion to withdraw as O’Neal’s counsel on the same date, noting that he will not be representing her in her appeal.
The court also recommended that both Martinez and O’Neal participate in the Bureau of Prisons’ Inmate Financial Responsibility Program.
Whitaker, founder of information technology and digital forensics firm Mon Ethos Pro Support, pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to bribery involving federal programs and two counts of wire fraud. He admitted participating in a scheme involving inflated billing connected to a Virgin Islands Police Department investigation and submitting a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan application. He testified against Martinez and O’Neal as a government witness.
Kearney sentenced Whitaker last Wednesday to 22 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He must report to the Bureau of Prisons facility designated for him on January 2, 2027. The court ordered Whitaker to serve six months of home detention, to commence as soon as arrangements can be made by the Probation Office. During that period, he will be permitted to leave his residence only for approved activities, including employment, education, religious services, court appearances, legal appointments, and medical or mental health treatment.
Whitaker was also ordered to pay $600,098.10 in restitution and a $300 special assessment. The court waived interest on the restitution obligation after finding he lacked the ability to pay. Payment of the total criminal monetary penalties is due in accordance with special instructions, but the $300 special assessment is due immediately.
Because of his medical and mental health needs, the court directed that Whitaker be housed at a facility capable of providing appropriate treatment. As a condition of supervised release, he must participate in mental health treatment approved by the Probation Office and contribute toward the cost of those services.
Martinez, O’Neal, and Whitaker will be subject to special conditions of supervised release, including financial disclosure requirements and restrictions on obtaining new lines of credit without approval. All three must also cooperate with DNA collection and notify the court of any material changes in their financial circumstances. If they are unable to secure lawful employment, the court may require up to 20 hours of community service per week, along with job training, counseling, or other employment-related activities directed by the Probation Office.
Both O’Neal and Whitaker will also be subject to a prohibition on employment in positions involving fiduciary responsibility or control over finances other than their own or those of their immediate families. They must continue making restitution payments after release from prison. Any unpaid restitution must be paid at a minimum rate of 5% of their gross monthly earnings, with payments of at least $500 per quarter beginning within 30 days of release from Bureau of Prisons custody.
Martinez must pay restitution that remains unpaid at the commencement of the term of supervised release at a rate of not less than 10% of his gross monthly earnings. The first payment is due within 30 days from his release from prison.
