U.S. attorney opposes motion to return equipment seized from STT restaurant leased by Ray Martinez

ST. CROIX — The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed its opposition to a motion for the return of $10,000 worth of kitchen equipment seized from a St. Thomas restaurant leased by former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez as part of a criminal investigation alleging bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud, according to District Court documents.

FBI agents seized a commercial kitchen hood system, side curtains, a fire suppression system, and wall panels on December 16 from Don Felito’s Cookshop. Martinez, Don Felito’s principal, leased the property at the base of Raphune Hill in July 2022, where signage for the not-yet-opened restaurant has been erected.

The seizure followed a warrant authorized by Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague citing the equipment was subject to criminal forfeiture concerning the alleged violations of federal laws. The details of the alleged criminal activity, however, have not yet been made public as the FBI affidavit filed in support of the seizure warrant remains under seal.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in its opposition to a motion for the return of the kitchen equipment filed Tuesday in the District Court, Division of St. Thomas/St. John, argued that an analysis of four factors to this case compels a finding that Don Felito’s is not entitled to a return of the kitchen equipment.