ST. THOMAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Virgin Islands), published as received.
ST. THOMAS – U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Bruce Wheatley, a British citizen from Tortola, was arrested for possession and distribution of child exploitation material and illegal reentry into the United States. On June 29, 2026, Wheatley, 19, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague for an initial.
According to court documents, on Friday, June 26, 2026, Wheatley was identified by Federal Agents in Havensight, St. Thomas, USVI. Agents identified Wheatley as a subject who had previously been deported from the United States in May of 2026 and banned from returning to the United States for a period of five years. Wheatley was detained pending arrest for illegal reentry.
During a search of Wheatley’s cellular phone, agents found sexually explicit content that depicted what appeared to be a minor and adult engaged in a sexual act.
Wheatley was detained pending further court proceedings. Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) is investigating the case. Attorney Natasha L. Baker of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands is prosecuting the case.
