Two additional persons have been charged with harbouring escaped prisoner Jose Almestica who was recently recaptured by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) after being on the run since 2017.
This was confirmed in a media release by the RVIPF today Tuesday December 14, which revealed the individuals as 33-year-old Hannah’s Estate resident Renee Smith and 41-year-old Fort Hill resident Shamal Smith who are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court today.
The duo adds to the total number of persons charged with harbouring Almestica, as Jennifer Smith, who is alleged to be the girlfriend of Almestica has already been charged for harbouring Almestica and is presently remanded at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.
The RVIPF also made it clear that despite the three arrested having the same surname, Jennifer is neither a sibling of Renee or Shamal.
The charge of harbouring a prisoner carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
The 33-year-old Almestica was apprehended last Tuesday after escaping from Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut in 2017 during the passage of Hurricane Irma.
He was awaiting trial since his 2016 arrest for illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and illegal entry prior to his escape.