The Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas, USVI. Photo: Ernice Gilbert/VI Consortium

According to the case, Erin Damond arrived at the airport on December 12, 2025, for a flight to Orlando, Florida. While his luggage was being screened at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, a TSA officer observed what appeared to be a firearm inside his carry-on backpack.

A further inspection led to the discovery of a firearm without a serial number. The weapon was loaded with a 9mm Glock magazine containing several rounds of ammunition.

Authorities said Damond had not declared the firearm as required by law. He also did not have a license to possess a firearm in the US Virgin Islands.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with carrying a weapon on an aircraft and entering an airport area in violation of security requirements.

On Monday, prosecutors filed a plea agreement under which Damond agreed to plead guilty to the second charge, entering an airport area in violation of security requirements.

In return for the guilty plea, the Office of the United States Attorney agreed to recommend a sentence of 30 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and forfeiture of the firearm seized in the case.

The plea agreement also includes Damond’s waiver of his right to appeal both the conviction and the sentence imposed.

US Magistrate Alan Teague is expected to review the plea agreement during a hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.