White & Hendricks Guilty on Both Counts

St. Croix Times Staff

 St. Croix - In a stunning verdict that sweeps through the corridors of power in the USVI, Calvert White and Benjamin Hendricks were found guilty on both counts: Count 1 - Honest Services Wire Fraud. Count 2- Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds.

In a case that seemed at first to be built on largely circumstantial evidence, that included texts, financial records, and wiretaps, a Federal Jury dug to the depths of the criminal matter and convicted former Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) Commissioner Calvert White and private contractor Benjamin Hendricks of steering COVID relief funds for their own personal gain. The jury rejected the arguments presented by the defense that brought into question the credibility of the evidence by a government witness with a criminal background.  

The decision was handed down on Friday July 25, 2025, by a twelve-member jury in the District Court of the Virgin Islands, and delivered by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney, after a week-long trial and a full day of deliberations. The outcome capped a trial that seemed to hinge on the credibility of government witness David Whitaker, a contractor, with a criminal record.   

The trial has created something of a sensation among locals, many of whom found it hard to believe the popular DSPR Commissioner could be involved with such nefarious circumstances as to exploit COVID relief funds and sell out his loyalty to the public for what amounted to a measly $16,000 bribe. 

Nevertheless, although the trial seemed to waffle up and back on various pieces of evidence, the jury inevitably sided with the prosecution, which posed the closing argument that stated the recordings, text messages, and financial records were fundamental in backing up the government’s case that, at times, appeared to stand solely on Mr. Whitaker’s strong testimony.

The sentencing date for both Mr. White and Mr. Hendricks has yet to be set. Both men remain free on bail.