St. Thomas, USVI - This weekend U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers detected Frederick Pickering, 33, who has an outstanding warrant in the State of Connecticut for charges of sexual assault and burglary.
Employees of the BVI ferry contacted CBP for approval to board a passenger not in possession of a U.S. passport.
Review of databases revealed that the passenger Frederick Pickering had an outstanding warrant for his arrest by the State of Connecticut.
The passenger arrived at the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal where he presented CBP officers a USVI birth certificate.
After corroborating the warrant, CBP arrested Mr. Pickering and transferred his custody to the VI Police Department for extradition proceedings.
CBP officers detect many individuals wanted by authorities in the continental U.S. upon their arrival to the USVI or their return to the mainland from Puerto Rico and the USVI.
"CBP officers are always vigilant of dangerous individuals who try to move freely, trying to elude detection," said Marcelino Borges, director of field operations for Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. "Technology and close collaboration amongst law enforcement allows us to detect felons and bring them to justice."