RVIPF Offers $50K for Two Fugitives
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, who escaped His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, on October 25, 2025. Both men are considered armed and extremely dangerous; residents are urged not to approach them and to contact police or Crime Stoppers with any information.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) today announced a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of two men who escaped from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, Tortola, on October 25, 2025. The fugitives have been identified as Jose Almestica and John M. In a press release dated June 3, 2026, the RVIPF said both men have evaded law enforcement since their escape and reiterated that they are considered "armed and extremely dangerous." Members of the public are strongly advised not to approach either man under any circumstances.
Almestica was serving a six-year sentence for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm at the time of the escape. In October 2025, a nine-member jury found him guilty on multiple additional charges: four counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm, one count of Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply; he was awaiting sentencing on those convictions.
Almestica is also awaiting trial in connection with the 2021 murder of Deverson Williams at Fish Bay, Tortola, and is wanted by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands for serious offenses including First-degree Murder, Second-degree Murder and Assault. Burgos had been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison on charges related to firearms, ammunition and drug possession.
He is additionally wanted for questioning by the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) in relation to a 2023 murder investigation. "The safety of our communities remains a top priority. As long as these fugitives remain at large, there is an ongoing risk to public safety. Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating and apprehending these individuals," the RVIPF said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Almestica or Burgos is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at 284-800-8477. The RVIPF and partner agencies continue to urge vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activity as investigations and searches continue.
Residents should secure homes and businesses, report unfamiliar persons or vehicles to police, and avoid attempting to confront the named individuals. The reward remains available for verified information that directly leads to their capture.
Primary source: VINO