Former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, and former OMB Director Jenifer O'Neal. Photo: VIC

Last week, both Martinez and O'Neal waived their right to a speedy trial, citing the need for time to review the material, investigate the facts, and attempt to have “meaningful plea negotiations.”

That prompted Judge Kearney to order a status conference between the parties, which was held on February 11. An amended schedule emerged from that conference. The next status conference is set for March 25, while the final pre-trial conference is calendered on November 24.

Trial is now set for December 3, with jury selection apparently occurring immediately prior.

O'Neal's request for overseas travel initially denied

Last week, Judge Kearney also approved a request from Ms O'Neal to travel for personal and business reasons while awaiting trial.

Earlier this month, counsel for Ms O'Neal had filed a motion to modify the conditions of her pre-trial release, arguing that she needed to be able to travel to meet current and prospective clients for her consulting business, and to confer with her New York-based attorney to prepare for trial. Despite no opposition from the prosecution, Judge denied the request, questioning why Ms O'Neal would need to meet with her attorney in New York when he is admitted to the Virgin Islands Bar and has agreed to represent her in the jurisdiction.

The judge also asked for more specifics in any subsequent motion to travel, which Ms O'Neal provided in a renewed request, filed on Friday. In her new motion, she detailed a need to perform maintenance on her Maryland home, along with a business meeting in California. Judge Kearney approved the motion, clearing the way for Ms O'Neal to travel to the mainland.