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DISTRICT COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. STEPHANIE BARNES, Defendant. ) ) ) ) ) Case No. 3:19-cr-0047 ) ) ) ) ) ORDER BEFORE THE COURT is the trial in this matter, currently scheduled for April 12, 2021. For the reasons stated herein, the time to try this case is extended up to and including September 27, 2021. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands entered a general order concerning operations of the Court on March 17, 2020. The Chief Judge has thus far extended the order eleven times, finding that the ends of justice require excluding March 18, 2020, through April 30, 2021, from the Speedy Trial count in all criminal matters. To date, the COVID-19 virus has claimed more than 560,000 lives (26 of which have been in the U.S. Virgin Islands). Current testing indicates that the rate of contraction of the virus is slowing in recent weeks. Notwithstanding the decrease in the incidence of COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands over the past few weeks, the Court finds that a continuance of the trial date in this case is in the best interest of justice. COVID-19 continues to present an unpredictable threat to public health and safety. In light of these circumstances, the Court finds it necessary and appropriate to proceed with caution. This case presents significant challenges for the Court to comply with social distancing guidelines during a jury trial. Specifically, both parties expressed concerns at the March 19, 2021 status conference regarding the sheer number of witnesses each party expects to call, 35 each, and the logistics involved in flying many of those witnesses from off-island, and housing them upon arrival, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in addition to everyday practical Case: 3:19-cr-00047-RAM-RM Document #: 283 Filed: 04/09/21 Page 1 of 2 United States v. Barnes Case No. 3:20-cr-0047 Order considerations, which would require additional spacing for Defendants, counsel, and jurors—and the potential for additional jurors in the courtroom. Social distancing— specifically avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others—remains the most effective check against the COVID-19’s transmission. Given the continuing dire circumstances faced by the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States as a whole, the Court finds that a greater extension of time is necessary for the protection and well-being of the defendant, the jury, the prosecutors, the witnesses, the Court’s personnel, and the general public at large. The premises considered, it is hereby ORDERED that the time beginning from the date of this order granting an extension through September 27, 2021, shall be excluded in computing the time within which the trial in this matter must be initiated pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161; it is further ORDERED that a date for jury selection and jury trial shall be set at the upcoming status conference, which shall be scheduled for April 30, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. via telephone. Dated: April 9, 2021 /s/ Robert A. Molloy ROBERT A. MOLLOY District Judge Case: 3:19-cr-00047-RAM-RM Document #: 283 Filed: 04/09/21 Page 2 of 2