ST. CROIX — Former Public Works Commissioner Gustav James recently filed a civil complaint in District Court accusing the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Virgin Islands Police Department of unlawfully detaining him at his Frederiksted residence in 2021 while using excessive force in violation of his constitutional rights.
James, who led DPW during the administration of former Governor Kenneth Mapp from January 2015 to August 2017, filed his complaint pro se, meaning he is representing himself without an attorney.
The complaint, which was filed last Friday and entered into the District Court’s online system today, names John Does and Jane Does in their capacity as agents for the federal government as defendants in addition to the DEA and VIPD.
James claims a violation of his constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment (unreasonable search and seizure), the Eighth Amendment (excessive force), and the Fourteenth Amendment (due process).
DEA agents and VIPD officers allegedly entered James’ property in Estate LaGrange unlawfully on July 15, 2021 using helicopters, according to the complaint. James accused the law enforcement officers of trespassing and engaging in physical confrontation without lawful justification. James claims he was forcibly detained, handcuffed, and subjected to excessive force that caused him to suffer physical injuries to his wrist and shoulder.
James alleges the agents refused to identify themselves. His attempts to request their credentials were allegedly met with threats and physical aggression. James claims he was forced to stand in the sun while handcuffed for an extended period, causing further physical and emotional distress. He claims he was denied his right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of his home.
James is seeking compensatory damages for physical harm, emotional distress, psychological abuse, and punitive damages for the defendants’ alleged egregious conduct in addition to interest and restitution for all losses incurred. He requested any other relief the court deems just and proper, including declaratory relief recognizing the violation of his constitutional rights and an award of costs and fees incurred in litigating the matter. He requested a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
