St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 14, 2026, a federal jury convicted Mikey Luke, 52, of St. Croix, of maintaining a drug-involved premise.At trial, federal and local law enforcement officers testified that, on September 28, 2021, officers with the Virgin Islands Police Department were dispatched to Anna’s Hope, Christiansted, U.S.
Virgin Islands. While responding to the call, officers observed marijuana plants outside of the residence. A subsequent search of the residence revealed marijuana plants throughout a studio apartment. The studio was outfitted with multiple fans, air conditioning vents, strings, and lights to aid in the cultivation of the plants.
Additional marijuana plants were located throughout the property. Plants were observed at various stages of growth, from seedlings to mature plants. The residence was also equipped with pots, soil, and gardening equipment. A total of 138 plants were seized.During an interview with law enforcement officers, Luke admitted that he owned the residence and that the marijuana plants belonged to him.
Luke also admitted that he had been growing marijuana plants for over 10 years.The offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The investigation was conducted by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. Assistant U.S.
Attorney Natasha Baker prosecuted the case.