St. Croix Man Who Turned Himself In on Texas Warrant Now Faces Property Destruction Charge

A 32-year-old St. Croix resident with a notable history of self-surrender to authorities has been arrested and charged with destroying property.

Kai Cuencas entered the Superior Court system on Wednesday evening and faced Magistrate Judge Yolan C. Brow Ross on Thursday morning for his initial hearing. The charge against him is one count of Major Misdemeanor Destruction of Other Property under Virgin Islands law, stemming from an incident on September 22, 2026.

Police had intensified efforts to locate Cuencas after issuing a public wanted person bulletin on Monday, October 5. The Virgin Islands Police Department circulated his description: 5 feet 10 inches tall, approximately 199 pounds, green eyes, and a distinctive facial tattoo. Officers noted he is known to spend time in both Christiansted and Frederiksted.

Investigating Officer Menissa Joseph of the Wilbur Francis Command Desk led the search that culminated in Cuencas's arrest at 8:06 p.m. on Wednesday.

Cuencas became known to the public three years earlier when he took the unusual step of contacting police himself. In September 2023, he reached out to the Wilbur Francis Command to alert detectives that an active felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault was outstanding against him in Nacogdoches County, Texas. After authorities verified the extradition warrant through the National Crime Information Center, Cuencas arranged to meet officers outside a fast-food restaurant in La Reine. He produced his Virgin Islands voter registration card and surrendered peacefully, stating he wanted to "deal with the warrant." He waived formal extradition before Magistrate Ernest Morris Jr. and was transferred to mainland authorities.

The specific property allegedly damaged on September 22 has not yet been detailed in court filings. Cuencas remains in custody as bail determination proceedings continue.