Dr. Ellis Issued No-Fly Order Against Blyden After Learning He Intended to Travel to Hawaii following Positive Covid-19 Test; Judge Finds Probable Cause

ST. THOMAS — Senator Marvin Blyden has entered a plea of not guilty on one count of Exposure in Public Place while Infected with Contagious Disease. Mr. Blyden was summoned by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands following a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Justice on September 24. The Senator is accused of flouting quarantine directives by attending an event at Tillet Gardens on September 18th, days after he tested positive for Covid-19. If convicted, Blyden faces a maximum imprisonment of 1 year, a fine of not more than $200, or both.

At Friday’s virtual hearing, Judge Henry Carr stated that the court found probable cause for the complaint against the senator. Mr. Blyden appeared virtually, accompanied by Attorney Dwayne Henry, who asked that his client be released on his own recognizance. Attorney Rob Barchiesi appearing for the people, raised no objection to the request, noting the senator’s substantial ties to the community. Judge Carr concluded that the senator would be released on his own recognizance, noting that this has been his practice when a criminal matter is initiated by way of a summons and the defendant honors that summons, as is the case in this matter.

The matter will be heard before Judge Kathleen McKay at a subsequent date and Mr. Blyden has not waived his right to a speedy trial and a trial by jury. However, while the matter remains pending, Judge Carr warned that if Mr. Blyden is caught violating any of the conditions of his release, his bail can be revoked and he may be remanded to the Bureau of Corrections until the conclusion of the case.

As part of the conditions of his release, Mr. Blyden is prohibited from leaving the Virgin Islands without permission from the court and must report to the probation office once weekly via telephone. The judge emphasized that the senator must comply with all health regulations of the territory. Further, he must not have direct or indirect contact with any witnesses in the matter.

Multiple witnesses confirmed to law enforcement that they saw Mr. Blyden in attendance at the September 18th event at Tillet Gardens. According to the probable cause fact sheet submitted before the court, one witness who was in attendance at the event presented themself to the Department of Health after finding out of possible exposure. Another witness interviewed by police recalled seeing a dark colored SUV with Legislature license plates parked in the handicap space at the venue.