Jahi Grant, wearing a dark hoodie, is escorted toward a vehicle by law enforcement personnel. Grant was returned to St. Thomas after his arrest in Dominica to face 12 firearm, drug and assault-related charges. Photo: VIC

Jahi Grant was returned to St. Thomas on Friday, October 30, by the U.S. Marshals Service after being arrested by members of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, according to a statement issued Saturday by the federal agency.

The charges stem from a December 2024 incident in which authorities recovered a machine gun and a pistol. Grant reportedly fled the scene, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued in January 2025.

On January 14, 2025, the Virgin Islands Police Department requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force in locating and apprehending Grant.

Investigators subsequently determined, through information provided by members of the community and collaboration between the VIPD and U.S. Marshals, that Grant had fled St. Thomas and was residing in Dominica.

The U.S. Marshals' Jamaican Foreign Field Office assisted in coordinating with Dominican authorities, who were informed of Grant's presence on the island and the outstanding arrest warrants against him.

According to the Marshals Service, Dominican police task force members confirmed seeing Grant on October 19. The federal agency reported that he was arrested on October 27, ending a search that had continued for more than 20 months.

Following his arrest, arrangements were made for his return to the Virgin Islands. U.S. Marshals transported Grant to St. Thomas on October 30, where he was turned over to the VIPD and booked into the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections.

Among the 12 charges identified by federal authorities are possession of an unlicensed machine gun, assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

The U.S. Marshals did not provide the complete list of charges or specify the quantities and types of controlled substances involved in the underlying investigation.

Kwesi R. Howard, U.S. Marshal for the District of the Virgin Islands, credited cooperation among law enforcement agencies in the territory and Dominica for Grant's apprehension.

“This successful operation highlights the strength of our law enforcement partnerships throughout the Caribbean,” Mr. Howard said.

“I commend the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force for their professionalism and cooperation in helping return this fugitive to the Virgin Islands. Working alongside the VIPD and our regional partners, we remain committed to ensuring that those who flee justice are held accountable.”

Authorities have not announced a date for Grant's initial court appearance following his return to St. Thomas or disclosed whether bail has been established.