Woman from St. Croix allegedly led victim into robbery: Five people arrested

According to VIPD, on August 28, officers executed a search warrant at the residence of 32-year-old Samuel Rivera Jr., who was taken into custody after a firearm was found in his bedroom. Rivera was charged with carrying a firearm openly or concealed. His bail was set at $50,000 and he was transferred to the John Bell Correctional Facility because he was unable to make bail.

On the same day, 32-year-old Ikoyo Matthias was also arrested in connection with the February 22, 2024 robbery. According to court documents, Matthias and his co-conspirators allegedly attacked the victim near the Carlos Bar. Matthias was charged with first-degree assault and his bail was set at $75,000. He was also taken to the John Bell Correctional Facility.

On August 29, 31-year-old Benjamin Cabret turned himself in to authorities. He faces several charges, including first-degree robbery, assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and unlawful use of a vehicle. Cabret, along with the other suspects, allegedly robbed and assaulted the victim at gunpoint on February 22. His bail was set at $75,000 and he was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his legal counsel hearing.

On a related note, on August 30, VIPD officers arrested 22-year-old Kaywana Meade, who was involved in organizing the robbery. According to the investigation, Meade was with the victim in his vehicle and instructed him to stop near the Strictly the Best Clothing store, where her accomplices robbed and assaulted the victim at gunpoint. Meade was charged with first-degree robbery and was unable to make her $75,000 bail. She was committed to the John Bell Correctional Facility until she could attend her legal counsel hearing.

Later that same day, 36-year-old Jose Berrios turned himself in to authorities. Berrios was also involved in the Feb. 22 robbery and assault in which he and others attacked the victim after she withdrew money from an ATM. Berrios was charged with first- and third-degree assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. Like the others, Berrios failed to make his $75,000 bail and was transferred to the John Bell Correctional Facility.

All suspects are awaiting legal counsel hearings scheduled for early September.