Above: the legislature building in Charlotte Amalie

By Alexander Britell

Former United States Virgin Islands Senator Alvin Williams, Jr has pleaded guilty to operating and participating in a criminal enterprise including bribery and mail fraud, US Attorney Ronald Sharpe and federal officials announced Thursday.

Williams, 34, and two other defendants were charged by grand jury indictment on Nov. 8, 2012.

The plea agreement followed an “extensive investigation” conducted by the Federal Public Corruption Task Force, which comprises the FBI, the US Marshall Service, the IRS-CI, US Department of Education Inspector General, the DEA, the Virgin Islands Office of the Inspector General and the VIPD.

In entering his plea of guilty to Count One of the indictment for racketeering, Williams admitted to bribing a Virgin Islands public official and soliciting and receiving bribes from numerous St Thomas construction projects developers, along with fraudulently soliciting and increasing staff member salaries and using the increase of funds for his personal use.

The proceeds of Williams’ alleged activities total more than $1.12 million, according to the original indictment.

The admission also included using Virgin Islands Legislative Staff Members to do his University of Phoenix online coursework for him during legislative work hours.

Williams faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines, along with potential future penalties and restitution.

No sentencing date has been set.