A St. Croix resident will go before a jury in early 2027 to face charges stemming from a violent break-in at a Bethlehem Village apartment, court documents show.
Wilfredo Carmona III entered a not guilty plea to four criminal counts tied to events on August 8, 2026, at the housing community in Estate Profit, also known as Harvey Project. A trial scheduling order filed this week sets jury selection and trial for February 16, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 214. A pre-trial conference is set for January 26, 2027, with a final pre-trial conference scheduled for February 11, 2027.
According to the criminal information filed by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Carmona allegedly approached Apartment 55 and used a cinder block to strike the front door, damaging a doorbell camera and outdoor lighting. Prosecutors say he then entered the residence without permission, forced resident Antony Cepeda against an interior wall, and punched him twice in the face, causing swelling.
The charging document also alleges Carmona struck Cepeda with a bamboo stick during the assault, inflicting visible cuts and scratches on the victim's arms, neck, and face.
Carmona faces four charges: aggravated assault and battery in a private family house, simple assault and battery, unlawful entry, and destruction of other property. He was arrested on a warrant and appeared for an Advice of Rights hearing on August 24 before Magistrate Judge Yolan C. Brow Ross.
The court released Carmona on conditional pretrial release under an approved undertaking. Territorial Public Defender Kyra LeAnn Riggins was appointed to represent him. Assistant Attorney General Katia Maria Bouza is handling the prosecution. Carmona remains under conditional release as he awaits his January court date.
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