CHARLOTTE Amalie (US), Aug 9: A former US Virgin Islands government official has been charged in a USD 17 million bribery scheme.
The US Justice Department says Julito Francis faces 11 counts including conspiracy, bribery and perjury.
He was the Public Finance Authority’s former director of finance and administration. Also charged are a construction company owner and the co-principal of an architectural company.
They are scheduled to appear in court August 12.
The indictment states that construction company owner Gerard Castor provided more than USD 400,000 in improvements to Francis’ home and more than USD 100,000 to the property of co-principal John Woods.
Authorities say that Castor’s company in return obtained more than USD 17 million in construction contracts including one to build a library in St Thomas.
Attorneys for the men could not be reached for comment. (AGENCIES)
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