Bolques Under Microscope After Female Staffer Files Complaint; Ethics Committee Formed to Investigate
The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands announced on Tuesday that it has established a Committee on Ethical Conduct (CEC) to investigate a formal complaint filed against Senator At-Large Angel Bolques, Jr. The complaint, which alleges misconduct within Senator Bolques’s office, was received by the Office of the Senate President on March 26 and referred to the committee on March 28 for review and action.
2025-04-16 13:34:15 - VI News Staff
Mr. Bolques was first seated as a senator during the 34th Legislature, following the removal of former Senator Steven Payne, which stemmed from a sexual harassment complaint filed by a staffer, originally reported by the Consortium, and a subsequent series of investigative reports by this publication. According to individuals familiar with the current complaint, it does not appear to rise to the level of misconduct that would result in Senator Bolques’s removal from office. However, those familiar with the complaint said Senator Bolques has allegedly fostered a hostile work environment.
Several attempts to reach Bolques for comment were unsuccessful.
The formation of the committee and the launch of its review process were confirmed Tuesday by Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens, who also serves as Chairman of the CEC. The committee is operating under the authority of Chapter 8, Rule 810 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature, which outlines the procedure for addressing alleged violations of legislative standards of conduct.
The five-member committee includes Mr. Gittens, chairman; Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff, vice chairman; Senator Kurt Vialet, Majority leader; Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.; and Senator Carla J. Joseph.
According to Mr. Gittens, the formal complaint has been shared with Mr. Bolques, who has been given an opportunity to respond. The committee is currently reviewing the allegations in preparation for issuing its Advisory Opinion to the Senate President within the 30-day timeframe prescribed by the Legislature’s rules. That deadline may be extended if necessary, pending agreement by the committee.