Monsanto v. Government of the Virgin Islands

MEMORANDUM OPINION

(July 7, 2009)

Following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Eugene Monsanto (“Monsanto” or “appellant”) was found guilty of unlicensed possession of a firearm and sentenced to fifteen years in prison. On appeal, Monsanto asserts that there was insufficient evidence for the Superior Court to find him guilty and that his sentence violates the Eighth amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. For the reasons set forth below, the Court will affirm the Superior Court’s judgment and sentence.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On May 13, 2002,…