U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday announced the nomination of Attorney Gordon Rhea as the next Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This nomination reflects the Governor’s commitment to bolstering the legal framework of the Territory with seasoned leadership marked by integrity and excellence.
Attorney Gordon Rhea brings a distinguished background to this pivotal role, blending deep legal expertise with an unwavering commitment to justice. A graduate of Stanford University Law School, Mr. Rhea’s career began defending complex criminal cases in Los Angeles. He quickly distinguished himself in Washington, D.C., serving as Special Assistant to the Chief Counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Activities, where he was instrumental in significant national investigations, including those into the CIA and FBI.
Following his tenure with the Senate, Mr. Rhea served as an Assistant United States Attorney and later as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney under Charles C. Ruff in Washington, D.C. There, he managed a range of high-profile prosecutions and oversaw operations at one of the nation’s largest Federal prosecutor’s offices.
Since moving to the Virgin Islands in 1981, Mr. Rhea has been an integral part of our legal community. He prosecuted major criminal cases as an Assistant United States Attorney and later co-founded the renowned law firm Alkon and Rhea in St. Croix. His work in civil litigation includes landmark cases that have shaped industrial and environmental law practices in the territory.
Governor Bryan said of the nomination, “Gordon Rhea’s impressive track record of legal accomplishments and managerial expertise will greatly benefit the Virgin Islands as we continue to strengthen our justice system. His lifelong dedication to public service and legal excellence is exactly what we need in an Attorney General.”
Mr. Rhea is a 40-year member of the Virgin Islands Bar, where he has been recognized with the highest honors, including this year’s Winston Hodge Award for his contributions to law and justice in the community.
The Governor’s Office is confident that Mr. Rhea’s confirmation will usher in a new chapter of leadership for the U.S. Virgin Islands, aligning with our vision for a safer and more just Territory.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
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