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3 months later Jose Almestica & John M. Burgos still not recaptured

-RVIPF can’t confirm if they’re still in VI
There has been no update from the Virgin Islands Police Force on the whereabouts of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27, who escaped His Majesty's Prison in Balsam Ghut on the evening of October 25, 2025. Photo: RVIPF
Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, citizens of the United States Virgin Islands, have been on the run since they escaped from His Majesty's Prison in October 2025. Photo: HMP
Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, citizens of the United States Virgin Islands, have been on the run since they escaped from His Majesty's Prison in October 2025. Photo: HMP
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend fugitives Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos. Photo: RVIPF
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend fugitives Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos. Photo: RVIPF
BALSUM GHUT, Tortola, VI- There has been no update from the Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on the whereabouts of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27, who escaped His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut on the evening of October 25, 2025.

Following their escape, the RVIPF was tasked with leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend the fugitives. 

The United States Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) was engaged and was actively taking the necessary steps to ensure agencies within the jurisdiction are on alert, the RVIPF said the day following the prisoners’ escape. 

Steps to bolster security at all ports of entry, private docks, and all possible areas that may serve as a departure point were also taken. Vehicle checkpoints, roadblock operations and mobile patrols were set up, and the RVIPF said they would be advanced as necessary.

RVIPF unsure fugitives still in VI

When our News Centre reached out to the RVIPF through its Media Liaison Akia L. Thomas, we were simply told that Almestica and Burgos were “still at large”. 

Our News Centre was also told that whether the men were still in the Virgin Islands could not be confirmed. They are both citizens of the USVI. 

No other information was shared.

Almestica was in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and illegal entry. He had previously escaped prison following the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and was recaptured in December 2021. 

Burgos was charged in relation to the December 12, 2022, daylight murder of Kadeem Jimenez in East End and was charged with Conspiracy to Murder, aling with drugs and firearm charges. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the men is asked to contact the police at 368-9339, 311, or Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS). The RVIPF also advised residents to not approach either individual. 

See links to related articles 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/jose-almestica-john-m-burgos-escape-his-majestys-prison

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/rvipf-leading-intense-comprehensive-manhunt-for-fugitives-acting-cop

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/governor-pruce-orders-full-external-investigation-into-recent-prison-break

13 Responses to “3 months later Jose Almestica & John M. Burgos still not recaptured”

  • Vg drama boy vanterpool (23/01/2026, 09:48) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Living them best life while we fight over who was right and wrong in that viral domestic fight video
  • Escaped once! (23/01/2026, 09:58) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This time he took a friend with him!

  • What the Hell! (23/01/2026, 10:08) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    Theses two individuals should have been deported to their place of birth. Why were they still in the Majesty Prison on Tax payers dollars.

    2017! Escape and recapture in December 2021, he should have been DEPORTED at that time. The other one Charged from December 12, 2022 and still not convicted!!!!
    What is going on with the Court System in the BVI!!!!!
    • @ What the hell. Agreed 100. (24/01/2026, 08:03) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      All xpats no matter how serious their crime is. After 6 months in prison, they should be deported, they will suffer more as deportees in their birth country, the hecking, the isolation, the brand of a criminal following them around.. Real punishment is deportation..
  • What the Hell! (23/01/2026, 10:08) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Theses two individuals should have been deported to their place of birth. Why were they still in the Majesty Prison on Tax payers dollars.

    2017! Escape and recapture in December 2021, he should have been DEPORTED at that time. The other one Charged from December 12, 2022 and still not convicted!!!!
    What is going on with the Court System in the BVI!!!!!
  • Just saying (23/01/2026, 10:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    And they sent 3 persons on leave?
  • Law Abiding citizen (23/01/2026, 11:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    heard one was seen JVD
  • watch here (23/01/2026, 11:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    you see what hanging with the wrong crowd gets you. you on the run while your friends living their best life.
  • X (23/01/2026, 12:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    They went the shoot
  • taliban (23/01/2026, 13:23) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ask money or he lap dawg….shake some damn trees RVIPF and see what falls off…
  • well saw (23/01/2026, 14:50) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    We are not helping find any one until you all lock up the prison officers who got paid to let them out
  • ... (23/01/2026, 18:20) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    buying eggs from santo check the egg farm
  • The Usurper (26/01/2026, 08:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well if they still on this small island they know how to stay inside.


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