ST. THOMAS – A federal judge today denied the government’s motion seeking advanced access to juror background forms ahead of the upcoming trial of Davidson Charlemagne, the former Department of Education maintenance director, and his wife, Sasha Charlemagne, both of whom face federal fraud and money laundering charges tied to a Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority contract.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise George, on behalf of U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper, filed the motion Tuesday seeking permission for the government to review the Bio Form Information Sheets — questionnaires with background information completed by prospective jurors — ahead of jury selection next month.
George argued that reviewing the forms on the day of selection provides insufficient time to adequately screen jurors and that advance access would allow the government to more carefully assess potential jurors’ impartiality. The government requested access to view the forms at the St. Croix clerk’s office on either July 6 or July 7, or alternatively, a written list of prospective jurors.
District Judge Mark Kearney denied the motion on the grounds that it was noncompliant with the court’s policies as it lacked an adequate meet-and-confer report, which requires the filing party first contact opposing counsel to discuss the relief being sought and document each side’s position before bringing the matter to the court.
The motion was denied without prejudice, meaning prosecutors may refile if they correct the deficiencies the court identified.
The Charlemagnes are charged with money laundering conspiracy and making false claims upon the United States. Davidson Charlemagne is also charged with fraud concerning programs receiving federal funds and wire fraud. The charges stem from a federal investigation into a $4.4 million VIHFA contract for the storage and management of wood shipped to the territory by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for use in rebuilding hurricane-damaged homes following the 2017 storms.
The case was reassigned to Kearney on February 19 and the trial was moved to St. Thomas from St. Croix in an order issued by the judge in March. According to that order, jury selection is set for July 17 with the introduction of evidence scheduled to begin the morning of July 20.
