Federal and local law enforcement officials are remaining mum on the investigation of the alleged hate crime in August. The U.S. Attorney Generals office issued a press release in early December stating information regarding the alleged attack would be available within the next two to three weeks.
Despite the press release, officials are not offering any update on the investigation.
We have no further information at this time, said the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation media relations coordinator, Harry Rodrigez.
That sentiment was repeated by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of the V.I.
No further information
We can give no further information about the investigation in that case, said public information officer James Carroll, an attorney. We have indicated that there was an investigation into the allegations of bias, and we have outlined the process we must complete. But that is as far as we can go.
On Aug. 31, an East End woman reported she was kidnapped from her home, bound, raped and tossed into the sea. Rumors about the attack quickly spread throughout the territory, and many people labeled the report a hate crime.
Heated Aftermath
Emotions flared in the aftermath of the incident, culminating in heated public meetings and the burning of locally-owned Meadas Plaza.
The possible arson is still under investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). ATF officials are offering a $10,000 reward for information about the fire, but have not released any updates on the case.
Recent rumors about the possible involvement of illegal-immigrant smugglers using the East End beach where the alleged incident occurred have not been substantiated by federal or local law enforcement officials.
