Suspect who Robbed Supreme Court Justice Turns Himself In

Vedel Browne has turned himself in to police this Sunday for robbing Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and his family at knife-point. The suspect had seen his photo released to the public as a “person of interest,” in relation to the crime, and surrendered himself to the authorities.

Breyer, with his wife, sister, and guest, were robbed at the Justice’s vacation house on the Caribbean island of Nevis, on February 9, by a masked man wielding a machete. Nobody was hurt, but the man made away with $1,200 dollars. Police consider it “a crime of opportunity,” and do not suspect Breyer was targeted for being a Supreme Court Justice.

Browne, 28, whom police describe as “Rastafarian,” works as a gardener and a painter. If he is convicted for the robbery, which is a felony charge in Nevis, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

After Byron White was assaulted in 1982 while speaking in Utah, the government has appointed protection for travelling U.S. marshals. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for justices to travel with out one, especially on vacations or on private travel.

Paul Bresson, speaking for the FBI, has said that “we are assisting the local police with their investigation.” And though Breyer has not commented on the incident, nevertheless, after a month recess, he has returned to work, attending a dinner in Washington last week with Vice President Joe Biden.