US Virgin Islands senator charged with domestic violence; police say he pulled gun on teen

USVI senator faces domestic-violence charges

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands — Authorities charged a longtime senator in the U.S. Virgin Islands with several counts of domestic violence Thursday after he allegedly pulled a gun during a fight with a 19-year-old woman.

Senator Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg Jr., 47, turned himself in after the charges were announced, but was released pending a court appearance Friday. He did not immediately return telephone calls or e-mails requesting comment, and it was not clear if he had a lawyer.

Donastorg faces four charges, including third-degree assault and brandishing a gun, for his actions during the confrontation with the woman Jan. 28, the USVI Justice Department said.

Justice spokeswoman Sara Lezama declined to identify the woman or release details about the case. Police said only that he brandished a gun and used it to commit a crime.

Donastorg ran for governor of the U.S. Caribbean territory in 2006 and has served as senator for more than a decade. He also was chairman of the legislature’s finance committee.

Donastorg is married and has six children, according to the legislature’s official Web site.