ST. CROIX — Calvert White, after pleading not guilty today in District Court on St. Thomas in connection to federal bribery and wire fraud charges, resigned as commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, Government House announced.
Assistant Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vincent Roberts will serve as acting commissioner.
White is accused of accepting bribes from David Whitaker, founder of the cybersecurity firm Mon Ethos Pros Support who has accepted a plea agreement, along with former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal.
All three former members of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s Cabinet pleaded not guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges today in District Court along with White’s co-defendant, Benjamin Hendricks, a government contractor who owns and operates a company called A Clean Environment.
White, who had worked at DSPR for more than 12 years to include serving as assistant and acting commissioner prior to his nomination as commissioner, was sworn in as commissioner during a ceremony on December 12, 2019 on St. Thomas.
Bryan acknowledged White’s tenure and contributions to the department during his time in office.
“I appreciate Commissioner White’s service to the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation and his efforts to support its mission of providing opportunities for residents to engage in recreational and community activities,” Bryan said in a statement. “The department has played an important role in delivering services and programs that benefit the Virgin Islands community, and I remain committed to ensuring the continued progress of its initiatives.”
Whitaker accepted a federal plea agreement after planting a dozen spy cameras in various VI government offices, bribing a police official to obtain contracts, and attempting to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program, according to court documents.
Before the announcement of White’s resignation, the governor issued a statement Thursday regarding the news of the federal indictments.
“Today, I learned of federal indictments involving two former members of my Cabinet and one current member of this administration,” the governor stated. “While these allegations are deeply concerning, I want to emphasize the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold. Every individual is entitled to due process, and I will respect that principle.”
Bryan announced his request for the resignations of Martinez and O’Neal during a press briefing on June 17, 2024 at Government House on St. Thomas because of a federal investigation. The governor said at the time that White was also asked to provide information as part of the investigation, clarifying he did not request White’s resignation.
“This is a recent development, so we’re looking into what his exposure may be,” Bryan said during the press briefing.
