July 2, 2002 – Twenty federal and local law-enforcement officers raided the Campo Rico community around 3 p.m. Tuesday, detaining 12 individuals and seizing cocaine, crack, marijuana and a handgun, according to a spokesman for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Authorities said the action was taken after complaints from neighborhood residents of illicit activities taking place in the area.
The HIDTA spokesman, who asked not to be named, said one person was arrested in connection with the seizures and that the investigation is continuing.
He said the agents had five search warrants that were obtained after authorities had received complaints of drugs being distributed openly. Most of the detainees "were not from that area," he said. "They were just peddling their wares, so to speak."
The HIDTA team included officers from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the V.I. Police Department Special Response Team.
The spokesman thanked concerned Campo Rico residents for being "the eyes and ears" in their neighborhoods and urged others to assist law-enforcement agencies with cleaning up V.I. communities. "We are limited in staff, but they do a great job," he said of the HIDTA team.
He asked that anyone with information concerning illegal activity call the HIDTA Anonymous Tip Line telephone number, 713-1497. Callers are not required to identify themselves, he said.
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FROM DRAKE'S SEAT TO BEACH NOW PROTECTED LAND
July 2, 2002 – St. Thomas conservationists, environmentalists, beach lovers and visitors could breathe a sigh of relief with Tuesday's announcement by The Nature Conservancy that it, along with the Virgin Islands government, has purchased 228 acres of land around and above Magens Bay for use as a nature preserve and wildlife refuge.
It was a deal 20 years in the making which ultimately involved the purchase of the property known as the Wheaton Estate for a price below market value.
When combined with the existing public property at Magens Bay, the preserve will total 318 acres stretching from the beach all the way up to the road below Louisenhoj Castle. It will include the Drake's Seat overlook and the western end of Magens Bay Beach, which had been privately owned.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said his staff had been working for three years to acquire the land on the hills above the mile-long strip of white sand and palm trees that is the most popular beach on St. Thomas for both residents and visitors to the territory.
The V.I. government and its Magens Bay Authority will own about 120 acres of the land, and The Nature Conservancy, a national environmental organization, will own the remainder. The Nature Conservancy and the government have an agreement to hold the newly purchased land as a nature preserve, with development to be limited to a few hiking trails and archeological sites, Turnbull said Tuesday.
"Magens Bay will now remain forever undeveloped," he said at a ceremony in one of the picnic sheds at the beach. "The people of the Virgin Islands now own all of the land from one end of the beach to the other, and from the road above to the water's edge."
He also said, "I am going to strongly insist to the commissioner of Education that every school child in the Virgin Islands be given an opportunity to take the tour once the trails are completed."
More than 500,000 people visit Magens Bay each year, according to Robert Weary, director of The Nature Conservancy's programs in the Virgin Islands. The environmental group saw a need to protect the hillside above the beach from development, as the forest prevents erosion that could lower water quality in the bay, he said.
"These upland forests protect the beach itself," Weary said. "Magens Bay, beyond being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is also home to sea turtles, coral and all sorts of marine life."
The government will now control the Drake's Seat overlook. The deeds to the land prohibit any commercial activity in the area, according to Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett. Vendors who had been operating at the site protested vehemently when they were ordered to leave two years ago, but government agencies and court rulings repeatedly held that they did not have a right to sell their wares at the overlook.
The nature preserve's archeological sites include Arawak camps and slave quarters from a former plantation, Turnbull said.
The Nature Conservancy paid about $5.75 million for the land, then sold the government its share for about $2.5 million, Weary said. The Nature Conservancy also sold about 40 acres on the edge of the preserve to a developer for $2.1 million to help finance the overall project, Weary added.
He said the land sold to the developer will be for single-family homes on large lots, which will keep environmental impacts to a minimum. "It's sort of like cutting off your toe to save your whole foot," he said of the decision to sell a small part of the land for development in order to help finance the larger purchase.
The Nature Conservancy hopes to recover most of the rest of the money through local fund-raising efforts, Weary added.
The government's share of the cost came from the Land Bank Fund, which has existed for about 15 years to allow the government to make real estate purchases, according to Paul Gimenez, the governor's chief legal counsel. The fund regularly has been plundered to pay for other government expenses in the past, he noted, adding that the Magens Bay purchase has completely depleted the fund for now.
Weary said the cost of the land was below market value because the seller, Christine Wheaton, wanted to preserve the property in memory of her late husband, Homer Wheaton.
The couple had inherited the property from Homer Wheaton's uncle, Arthur Fairchild, who in the 1940s deeded the property at Magens Bay Beach to the people of the Virgin Islands. Fairchild, an avid arboriculturist, had imported and planted trees from around the world on the land behind the beach known as the Aubrey Nelthropp Arboretum.
The beach is managed by the Magens Bay Authority. Edmund Penn, authority chair, said he had been worried for years that the land above and adjacent to the beach could be sold to developers of a major resort. In fact, he said, he had met with Christine Wheaton "right there at the concession" to talk about how to protect the bay.
"It was a real possibility to see this property developed," he said, adding how pleased he is that the land will now be preserved in its pristine state. "We've wanted to see this happen for years," he said.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
It was a deal 20 years in the making which ultimately involved the purchase of the property known as the Wheaton Estate for a price below market value.
When combined with the existing public property at Magens Bay, the preserve will total 318 acres stretching from the beach all the way up to the road below Louisenhoj Castle. It will include the Drake's Seat overlook and the western end of Magens Bay Beach, which had been privately owned.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said his staff had been working for three years to acquire the land on the hills above the mile-long strip of white sand and palm trees that is the most popular beach on St. Thomas for both residents and visitors to the territory.
The V.I. government and its Magens Bay Authority will own about 120 acres of the land, and The Nature Conservancy, a national environmental organization, will own the remainder. The Nature Conservancy and the government have an agreement to hold the newly purchased land as a nature preserve, with development to be limited to a few hiking trails and archeological sites, Turnbull said Tuesday.
"Magens Bay will now remain forever undeveloped," he said at a ceremony in one of the picnic sheds at the beach. "The people of the Virgin Islands now own all of the land from one end of the beach to the other, and from the road above to the water's edge."
He also said, "I am going to strongly insist to the commissioner of Education that every school child in the Virgin Islands be given an opportunity to take the tour once the trails are completed."
More than 500,000 people visit Magens Bay each year, according to Robert Weary, director of The Nature Conservancy's programs in the Virgin Islands. The environmental group saw a need to protect the hillside above the beach from development, as the forest prevents erosion that could lower water quality in the bay, he said.
"These upland forests protect the beach itself," Weary said. "Magens Bay, beyond being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is also home to sea turtles, coral and all sorts of marine life."
The government will now control the Drake's Seat overlook. The deeds to the land prohibit any commercial activity in the area, according to Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett. Vendors who had been operating at the site protested vehemently when they were ordered to leave two years ago, but government agencies and court rulings repeatedly held that they did not have a right to sell their wares at the overlook.
The nature preserve's archeological sites include Arawak camps and slave quarters from a former plantation, Turnbull said.
The Nature Conservancy paid about $5.75 million for the land, then sold the government its share for about $2.5 million, Weary said. The Nature Conservancy also sold about 40 acres on the edge of the preserve to a developer for $2.1 million to help finance the overall project, Weary added.
He said the land sold to the developer will be for single-family homes on large lots, which will keep environmental impacts to a minimum. "It's sort of like cutting off your toe to save your whole foot," he said of the decision to sell a small part of the land for development in order to help finance the larger purchase.
The Nature Conservancy hopes to recover most of the rest of the money through local fund-raising efforts, Weary added.
The government's share of the cost came from the Land Bank Fund, which has existed for about 15 years to allow the government to make real estate purchases, according to Paul Gimenez, the governor's chief legal counsel. The fund regularly has been plundered to pay for other government expenses in the past, he noted, adding that the Magens Bay purchase has completely depleted the fund for now.
Weary said the cost of the land was below market value because the seller, Christine Wheaton, wanted to preserve the property in memory of her late husband, Homer Wheaton.
The couple had inherited the property from Homer Wheaton's uncle, Arthur Fairchild, who in the 1940s deeded the property at Magens Bay Beach to the people of the Virgin Islands. Fairchild, an avid arboriculturist, had imported and planted trees from around the world on the land behind the beach known as the Aubrey Nelthropp Arboretum.
The beach is managed by the Magens Bay Authority. Edmund Penn, authority chair, said he had been worried for years that the land above and adjacent to the beach could be sold to developers of a major resort. In fact, he said, he had met with Christine Wheaton "right there at the concession" to talk about how to protect the bay.
"It was a real possibility to see this property developed," he said, adding how pleased he is that the land will now be preserved in its pristine state. "We've wanted to see this happen for years," he said.
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FUNERAL PENDING FOR DONALD E. CHRISTOPHER, jR.
Donald E. Christopher, Jr. died on Saturday, June 29. Funeral services are pending.
He is survived by his mother Earla A. Sewer; father Donald E. Christopher, Sr.; brother Dylan Christopher; adopted brother Fritz Boynes, Sr.; sisters Deborah Christopher Charles, Donna Christopher Charles and Dureen Christopher; and many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to Creque's Funeral Home Inc.
He is survived by his mother Earla A. Sewer; father Donald E. Christopher, Sr.; brother Dylan Christopher; adopted brother Fritz Boynes, Sr.; sisters Deborah Christopher Charles, Donna Christopher Charles and Dureen Christopher; and many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to Creque's Funeral Home Inc.
FUNERAL FOR DONALD E. CHRISTOPHER, JR PENDING
Donald E. Christopher, Jr. died on Thursday, June 27. Funeral services are pending.
He is survived by his mother Earla A. Sewer; father Donald E. Christopher, Sr.; brother Dylan Christopher; adopted brother fritz boynes, Sr.; sisters Deborah Christopher Charles, Donna Christopher Charles and Dureen Christopher; many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to Creque's Funeral Home, Inc.
He is survived by his mother Earla A. Sewer; father Donald E. Christopher, Sr.; brother Dylan Christopher; adopted brother fritz boynes, Sr.; sisters Deborah Christopher Charles, Donna Christopher Charles and Dureen Christopher; many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
Arrangements are entrusted to Creque's Funeral Home, Inc.
CAHS CLASS OF '95 TO HAVE EMERGENCY MEETING
The Charlotte Amalie Class of 1995 will hold an emergency meeting at the Palm Courts Harbour View Hotel.
For more information call any of the class officers.
For more information call any of the class officers.
PSC'S WAPA RATE PROBE TO GET A NEW EXAMINER
July 2, 2002 – The Public Services Commission's next mandatory rate investigation, of the Water and Power Authority, will be delayed while the PSC seeks a new hearing examiner.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
PSC'S WAPA RATE PROBE TO GET A NEW EXAMINER
July 2, 2002 – The Public Services Commission's next mandatory rate investigation, of the Water and Power Authority, will be delayed while the PSC seeks a new hearing examiner.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
PSC'S WAPA RATE PROBE TO GET A NEW EXAMINER
July 2, 2002 – The Public Services Commission's next mandatory rate investigation, of the Water and Power Authority, will be delayed while the PSC seeks a new hearing examiner.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
In an executive session on Monday, the commission excused the designated examiner, St. Croix attorney Ronald E. Russell, at Russell's request, PSC chair Desmond Maynard said.
WAPA officials had earlier protested the naming of Russell to serve as hearing examiner, saying there was a conflict of interest because he has a pending lawsuit representing a private client against the utility.
Keithley Joseph, PSC executive director, said on Monday that Russell reported having difficulty obtaining some of the information required from the utility in order to carry out the rate investigation. "It's on hold based on WAPA's refusal to give information due to the fact that [Russell] has a pending suit against WAPA," Joseph said.
Also, Joseph said, "We just received some information that Russell is going to run for the Senate."
Russell, contacted on Tuesday, said he has not yet submitted his request to be removed from the investigation in writing and was surprised to learn that the PSC had already acted. "I am going to make the request to remove myself from the process, but I have not written the formal letter yet," he said.
He confirmed that he plans to run for the Senate but said "it's not the main reason" for his seeking to be excused as hearing examiner. "I.am removing myself from the process, and I think it's in the best interest of the community, the PSC and WAPA at this point," he said.
Legislation calling for biennial rate investigations of WAPA, the local telephone company and the two exclusive-franchise commuter ferry services — all of the industries regulated by the PSC — was passed last year.
The public hearings for the first rate review, of Innovative Telephone, were completed last week; the report prepared by a team of technical consultants was submitted to the commission on Monday.
The investigations are intended to give the PSC regulators a basis for making decisions on rates based on allowable company earnings. Findings could support lower rates, higher rates or no change in rates.
Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg's longtime efforts to look into the telephone company's finances led to the Senate approving the bill mandating every-other-year investigations of all regulated public utilities.
Joseph said Monday that he expects the Innovative rate investigation to be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. However, he said, given the need to find a new hearing examiner, the WAPA investigation will not be delivered to the Senate on schedule, and the board will have to ask for an extension.
He added that finding a new examiner for the Water and Power Authority probe may be difficult "because so many people have actions against WAPA."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
CHECK FORGERIES PROMPT ONGOING INVESTIGATION
July 2, 2002 – Police are warning businesses throughout the territory to be on the lookout for forged checks and falsified identification documents by individuals seeking to negotiate them.
On Friday, Abbe Richardson, 27, and her husband, Marlon Richardson, 26, were arrested on St. Croix after they deposited a check for $25,000 at the Frederiksted branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and another check in the same amount at the bank's Christiansted branch. They were charged with forging checks and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos said police obtained a warrant to search for computer evidence and other paraphernalia at the Richardsons' home, but found nothing incriminating.
Santos said there is no evidence connecting the Richardsons to the arrest of Augustin Angol, 23, of Smithfield on similar charges earlier last week.
Angol also was charged with committing forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses. Police said he used a personal computer and banking software to fabricate checks that were circulated to businesses throughout the territory. In move that police said was linked to Angol's arrest, Trudy Williams, 19, of Lorraine Village was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. Williams cashed a check at Electric Avenue in Barren Spot.
Santos said the investigation is ongoing and advised merchants to examine closely all checks and identification documents presented. "Employees should become familiar with the various types of identification used by customers in the territory," he said. Drivers' licenses, voter registration cards and I.D. from some local employers including Hovensa and Bechtel "have been forged," he said.
He said the largest stores are particularly at risk because of the large volume of transactions handled, and that Kmart and Pueblo are among those that have been hit with forged checks. He said he recently received a call from an insurance company official on St. Thomas "who wanted to make us aware of attempts to use forged checks on that island."
"We just want you to be alert, but don't become alarmed in conducting business." Santos said. "We don't know how many people are involved, so our investigation will continue."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
On Friday, Abbe Richardson, 27, and her husband, Marlon Richardson, 26, were arrested on St. Croix after they deposited a check for $25,000 at the Frederiksted branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and another check in the same amount at the bank's Christiansted branch. They were charged with forging checks and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos said police obtained a warrant to search for computer evidence and other paraphernalia at the Richardsons' home, but found nothing incriminating.
Santos said there is no evidence connecting the Richardsons to the arrest of Augustin Angol, 23, of Smithfield on similar charges earlier last week.
Angol also was charged with committing forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses. Police said he used a personal computer and banking software to fabricate checks that were circulated to businesses throughout the territory. In move that police said was linked to Angol's arrest, Trudy Williams, 19, of Lorraine Village was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. Williams cashed a check at Electric Avenue in Barren Spot.
Santos said the investigation is ongoing and advised merchants to examine closely all checks and identification documents presented. "Employees should become familiar with the various types of identification used by customers in the territory," he said. Drivers' licenses, voter registration cards and I.D. from some local employers including Hovensa and Bechtel "have been forged," he said.
He said the largest stores are particularly at risk because of the large volume of transactions handled, and that Kmart and Pueblo are among those that have been hit with forged checks. He said he recently received a call from an insurance company official on St. Thomas "who wanted to make us aware of attempts to use forged checks on that island."
"We just want you to be alert, but don't become alarmed in conducting business." Santos said. "We don't know how many people are involved, so our investigation will continue."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
CHECK FORGERIES PROMPT ONGOING INVESTIGATION
July 2, 2002 – Police are warning businesses throughout the territory to be on the lookout for forged checks and falsified identification documents by individuals seeking to negotiate them.
On Friday, Abbe Richardson, 27, and her husband, Marlon Richardson, 26, were arrested on St. Croix after they deposited a check for $25,000 at the Frederiksted branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and another check in the same amount at the bank's Christiansted branch. They were charged with forging checks and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos said police obtained a warrant to search for computer evidence and other paraphernalia at the Richardsons' home, but found nothing incriminating.
Santos said there is no evidence connecting the Richardsons to the arrest of Augustin Angol, 23, of Smithfield on similar charges earlier last week.
Angol also was charged with committing forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses. Police said he used a personal computer and banking software to fabricate checks that were circulated to businesses throughout the territory. In move that police said was linked to Angol's arrest, Trudy Williams, 19, of Lorraine Village was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. Williams cashed a check at Electric Avenue in Barren Spot.
Santos said the investigation is ongoing and advised merchants to examine closely all checks and identification documents presented. "Employees should become familiar with the various types of identification used by customers in the territory," he said. Drivers' licenses, voter registration cards and I.D. from some local employers including Hovensa and Bechtel "have been forged," he said.
He said the largest stores are particularly at risk because of the large volume of transactions handled, and that Kmart and Pueblo are among those that have been hit with forged checks. He said he recently received a call from an insurance company official on St. Thomas "who wanted to make us aware of attempts to use forged checks on that island."
"We just want you to be alert, but don't become alarmed in conducting business." Santos said. "We don't know how many people are involved, so our investigation will continue."
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On Friday, Abbe Richardson, 27, and her husband, Marlon Richardson, 26, were arrested on St. Croix after they deposited a check for $25,000 at the Frederiksted branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and another check in the same amount at the bank's Christiansted branch. They were charged with forging checks and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos said police obtained a warrant to search for computer evidence and other paraphernalia at the Richardsons' home, but found nothing incriminating.
Santos said there is no evidence connecting the Richardsons to the arrest of Augustin Angol, 23, of Smithfield on similar charges earlier last week.
Angol also was charged with committing forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses. Police said he used a personal computer and banking software to fabricate checks that were circulated to businesses throughout the territory. In move that police said was linked to Angol's arrest, Trudy Williams, 19, of Lorraine Village was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. Williams cashed a check at Electric Avenue in Barren Spot.
Santos said the investigation is ongoing and advised merchants to examine closely all checks and identification documents presented. "Employees should become familiar with the various types of identification used by customers in the territory," he said. Drivers' licenses, voter registration cards and I.D. from some local employers including Hovensa and Bechtel "have been forged," he said.
He said the largest stores are particularly at risk because of the large volume of transactions handled, and that Kmart and Pueblo are among those that have been hit with forged checks. He said he recently received a call from an insurance company official on St. Thomas "who wanted to make us aware of attempts to use forged checks on that island."
"We just want you to be alert, but don't become alarmed in conducting business." Santos said. "We don't know how many people are involved, so our investigation will continue."
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
