Reward Offered For Two Prison Escapees
U.S. Marshals are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the capture of two men who escaped from the Tortola prison on Oct. 25, 2025. Authorities say Jose Almestica and John Burgos are considered armed and dangerous and are the subject of an ongoing multi-agency manhunt.
Marshals have announced a reward for information that leads to the arrest of two inmates who escaped from the Her Majesty’s Prison on Tortola on Oct. 25, 2025. The Marshals are offering $2,000 each for information leading to the arrest of Jose Almestica and John Burgos, the Virgin Islands Police Department said in a Facebook notice Tuesday.
Both men are considered armed and dangerous and remain at large more than two months after the escape. Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said authorities are conducting "an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies with the sole intention of finding these individuals and returning them to custody as swiftly as possible." She added that police are "working to systematically restrict their movement within and out of the territory" and urged residents to be vigilant.
Almestica’s escape is the second for the inmate. He was previously convicted on charges that included possession of cocaine and marijuana for distribution and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and explosives. He escaped from the facility after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and remained on the run for about four years before being recaptured in 2021.
In August 2022 Almestica was charged in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of Deverson Williams. Burgos was remanded on charges of conspiracy related to the 2022 murder of Kadeem Jimenez. Both men were held in custody pending trial when they escaped, and police stress the seriousness of their alleged offences as part of the reason for the wide-ranging search.
Local law enforcement says it is working with international partners, including the U.S. Marshals, to narrow the escapees’ possible movements and prevent them from leaving the territory. Residents are asked to take extra precautions, report suspicious persons or activity, and avoid approaching the men if spotted.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jose Almestica or John Burgos should call 911 or local law enforcement immediately, or contact the BVI Police at 284-368-9339 or 284-800-8477. Authorities say tips will be treated confidentially and could qualify for the advertised reward as the investigation continues.
Primary source: Virgin Islands Daily News (Website)