ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — Calvert White, the former head of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (SP&R), along with local entrepreneur Benjamin Hendricks, faced charges related to a bribery scheme. The federal court has unsealed an indictment that claims both men participated in unlawful activities to obtain a profitable government contract.
White, 49, from St. Thomas, is accused of soliciting and accepting a bribe from David Whitaker, a contractor, with Hendricks, 62, also from St. Thomas, allegedly aiding him. Court filings reveal that the bribery activities occurred between December 2023 and June 2024. In return for the bribe, White is said to have agreed to assist Whitaker in securing a $1.43 million contract with SP&R. The indictment further alleges that White provided Whitaker with sensitive bidding information and took measures to ensure the contract was granted to him.
Hendricks, acting as the intermediary, faces allegations of facilitating payments and being a central figure in the conspiracy. Both he and White are charged with one count of honest services wire fraud and one count of federal program bribery. The implications of these charges are serious, with wire fraud potentially leading to a 20-year prison sentence and bribery carrying a maximum of 10 years.
Both defendants appeared in court for the first time in St. Thomas. A federal district court judge will decide their sentences, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other relevant statutory considerations.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in government contracting, aiming to promote transparency and fairness in public procurement processes within the Virgin Islands.
According to the Virgin Island Consortium, Calvert White resigned. The Virgin Islands Governor, Albert Bryan Jr. accepted his resignation, declaring, “I appreciate Commissioner White’s service to the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and his efforts to support its mission of providing opportunities for residents to engage in recreational and community activities. The Department has played an important role in delivering services and programs that benefit the Virgin Islands community, and I remain committed to ensuring the continued progress of its initiatives.”
To read more on the case visit: The Virgin Islands Consortium
