ST. THOMAS MAN HELD ON RAPE CHARGES AFTER ADMITTING TO ASSAULT

A St. Thomas resident has been charged with first-degree rape and first-degree assault following an incident at his Estate Frydendahl residence, court records show.

Slybertrand "Sly" Villaestiva, 39, was taken into custody after police responded to a report of assault at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31. The woman had come to his home at No. 3-19 Frydendahl around 10:30 a.m. to return a borrowed vehicle and collect personal belongings she had left behind, according to a sworn statement by Virgin Islands Police Department Officer Ja'ida Turnbull.

Once inside, the situation escalated into violence. According to court documents, Villaestiva seized the woman's arm, pressed his body against hers, and tried to kiss her. As she resisted and attempted to retrieve her items, he forced his hands beneath her clothing and assaulted her sexually, pulling her down onto a couch. When she turned away, pushed back, and called out for him to stop, he told her to relax.

The assault intensified when Villaestiva lifted the woman from the living room, carried her to the bedroom, and placed her on the bed. He then pinned her hands to the mattress and continued the assault while she screamed and fought. After she pushed him away repeatedly, he eventually let go. She ran from the house, drove away, and called a friend, who advised her to contact police.

Officers went to the Frydendahl address and arrested Villaestiva, bringing him to the Richard N. Callwood Command. At the station, he was informed of his rights and chose not to have a lawyer present. He then participated in a recorded interview with detectives, during which he admitted to the sexual assault, Officer Turnbull's affidavit states.

Villaestiva faces charges of first-degree rape, first-degree assault with intent to commit rape, and unlawful sexual contact under domestic violence law. Court records indicate he has prior criminal convictions. Because of domestic violence statutes, bail was denied. He was held at the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections at the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex pending a hearing before Magistrate Judge Julie Smith Todman scheduled for Monday morning.