By Fiona Stokes
The Virgin Islands Daily News
ST. CROIX — A Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility inmate already serving a life sentence for murder was arrested after allegations that he assaulted a female corrections officer last week.
Daniel St. Clair, 61, was arrested Monday night and charged with third-degree assault; aggravated assault and battery on an officer; and interfering with an officer discharging their duties stemming from an assault reported Friday afternoon at the prison.
According to the probable cause fact sheet filed in V.I. Superior Court, just before 12:30 p.m. Friday, the corrections officer reported that she was taking St. Clair to the recreational yard when he assaulted her.
The officer told police St. Clair was handcuffed as she walked him to the recreational area and opened the door to let him in. She said once he was inside, he attacked her, striking her several times with his handcuffed-hands in her head and face.
According to the court document, the corrections officer sustained a deep laceration to her forehead that required medical attention and St. Clair was arrested.
Police said St. Clair was transported to the Police Administrative Building, where he was booked and processed on Friday, and during the course of those procedures, he assaulted a forensics technician by hitting him with his forearm but did not cause any injuries.
According to the court document, St. Clair had to be medicated to calm him down following the assault.
St. Clair, who initially had refused to enter the courtroom to appear before the judge on Tuesday, was disruptive during the hearing as Magistrate Jessica Gallivan advised him of his rights and the charges against him.
While his bail was set at $25,000, St. Clair remains jailed on the underlying murder charge stemming from a 1987 murder of a woman on St. Thomas. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Arraignment in this new case is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 9.