Parole board hearings still on hold amid legal battle

V.I. Parole Board hearings are still on hold amid an ongoing legal battle between Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and board members who had planned to consider granting geriatric parole to four men serving lengthy prison sentences.

The men had been scheduled to appear before the Parole Board in June, but the V.I. Justice Department, which is representing Bryan, sued the prisoners and parole board members, arguing that a 2024 geriatric parole law should not be applied retroactively.

Civil Division Chief Christopher Timmons also argued that the board does not have a quorum of at least four members, and has been meeting illegally since 2022.

Superior Court Judge Alphonso Andrews Jr. issued a temporary restraining order, prohibiting the board from considering applications for parole until further notice.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 on St. Croix.

Attorney Pedro Williams, who is representing the defendants, filed motions for summary judgment or dismissal in July, arguing that the board’s bylaws allow three members to meet and take action on applications for parole.

The board should have seven members total, but there have not been any new nominations in years “because of the inaction of the Plaintiff/Governor,” Williams wrote.