It didn't add up to the Thousand Man Meetings that had been envisioned, but Fathers' Night Out amounted to hundreds, maybe thousands, of significant steps.
Between 50 and 60 groups of men — as few as four in some instances, as many as 20-plus in at least one case — met in homes, restaurants and other places Wednesday night to talk about fatherhood in the Virgin Islands community.
The meetings were sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, under the umbrella of its Fatherhood Collaborative 2000. The initial plan had been for 100 men each to invite 10 others to come together and talk. Invited to host groups were fathers, father figures, stepfathers, godfathers, grandfathers and fathers-to-be.
Those approached about serving as hosts covered a broad spectrum in the community, Community Foundation executive director Dee Baecher-Brown said – "from CEO's to stay-at-home dads, people in messenger positions, white collar/blue collar types of occupations, from all walks of life. One group was very young, most people in their early 20s and teens; in another, everybody was a grandfather." At least one group, she said, conversed in Spanish.
"One of the real important themes is that responsible fatherhood is a concern within all segments of the community," she said.
At what may or may not have been a typical gathering, an overall concern for the children of the Virgin Islands and plans for helping young men prepare for manhood dominated the discussion.
It is difficult to distinguish between cause and effect in terms of what brought people out for the meetings, the five participants at this particular one agreed: Do the more active members of the community come forth when called upon, or is there an undercurrent of concern not regularly expressed that showed itself for Fathers' Night Out? Regardless what had motivated them, the five shared a commitment to outreach and interaction.
All agreed that expectations of government help with the individual problems of child raising are misplaced. "Even if you just talk to one kid for one day" was a concept brought to the table's discussion over and over, as was the idea that "Every bit of positive influence is needed, no matter how small."
Successes, shortfalls and tragedies were shared. The importance of after-school programs, proactive intervention and counseling in the schools, and challenges outside of school were discussed. One participant, a top executive of a major local concern, suggested a need for higher expectations of children.
A total of 64 men had confirmed to the Community Foundation that they would host meetings, and between 50 and 60 did so Wednesday night on St. Thomas and St. John, while others had a conflict but planned to convene gatherings later this week or next week. There was at least one meeting on St. Croix and perhaps as many as three, Baecher-Brown said.
Each group host was asked to submit a report to the foundation. A number of reports were turned in already Thursday, she said, and "many of them have said their group would like to meet again for further discussion."
Once all the reports are received and reviewed, the foundation will put togther a report that will go back to all participants summarizing the points covered, the types of suggestions made, and the organizations and initiatives known to be addressing fatherhood issues in the community.
That came as no surprise to Baecher-Brown. She said the Fathers' Night Out idea was modeled on a one-shot gathering that was held two years ago on St. John and evolved into a group that has continued to meet ever since. "In many ways, they inspired the Fathers' Night Out initiative because of what had developed out of a single meeting," she said.
One of the most important effects of Fathers' Night Out, one group observer said, may be the connections established or strengthened among the men at any given meeting by way of getting to know that other members of the community share their concern for children, and other hands and hearts are there available to share to load.
"It was not meant to be and will not be a one-shot deal," Baecher-Brown said.
For those who did not attend meetings Wednesday but are interested in participating, she said, the foundation will serve as a clearinghouse to connect them with gatherings to come. Those interested can telephone 774-6031, fax to 774-3852 or e-mail to dbrowncfvi@att.net.
'GLADIATOR' HAS AUDIENCE CHEERING THE HERO ON
Hailed as a hero should be, "Gladiator" is called by one reviewer "awe-inspiring storytelling on all levels." And, if not historically accurate, it's close enough.
It's the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, and the aging emperor selects the victorious Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) to succeed him instead of his son, the power-hungry Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). This sits so poorly with Commodus that he kills his father and orders the death of Maximus.
Maximus had been torn between ruling the country and returning to his family before the matter was taken out of his hands. Now he escapes death only to return home and find his family has been slaughtered.
Then, through a turn of events, he is sold into slavery and is forced to become a gladiator. And what a gladiator he is — so good that his fame brings him face to face with his archenemy Commodus. One reviewer has said the story is "so good the audience will be jumping up in their seats, cheering the hero on."
The only real criticism of the film has arisen over director Ridley Scott's graphic gladiatorial matches, which are said to overshadow those in "Saving Private Ryan." "They are worse, and to no particular purpose," cautioned one reviewer.
The film has five producers, including Steven Spielberg, and is rated R for intense graphic combat.
It is playing at Market Square East.
It's the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, and the aging emperor selects the victorious Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) to succeed him instead of his son, the power-hungry Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). This sits so poorly with Commodus that he kills his father and orders the death of Maximus.
Maximus had been torn between ruling the country and returning to his family before the matter was taken out of his hands. Now he escapes death only to return home and find his family has been slaughtered.
Then, through a turn of events, he is sold into slavery and is forced to become a gladiator. And what a gladiator he is — so good that his fame brings him face to face with his archenemy Commodus. One reviewer has said the story is "so good the audience will be jumping up in their seats, cheering the hero on."
The only real criticism of the film has arisen over director Ridley Scott's graphic gladiatorial matches, which are said to overshadow those in "Saving Private Ryan." "They are worse, and to no particular purpose," cautioned one reviewer.
The film has five producers, including Steven Spielberg, and is rated R for intense graphic combat.
It is playing at Market Square East.
MALONE TO ADDRESS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
The League of Women Voters will feature Legislature Post-Auditor Campbell Malone as guest speaker at a 12 noon meeting Monday, June 26 at LÉscargot Restaurant in the sub-base.
Malone will speak on the "Five Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan" of the V.I. government. The public is invited to attend. To reserve, call Eleanor Cerge at 776-9357.
Malone will speak on the "Five Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan" of the V.I. government. The public is invited to attend. To reserve, call Eleanor Cerge at 776-9357.
MALONE TO ADDRESS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
The League of Women Voters will feature Legislature Post-Auditor Campbell Malone as guest speaker at a 12 noon meeting Monday, June 26 at LÉscargot Restaurant in the sub-base.
Malone will speak on the "Five Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan" of the V.I. government. The public is invited to attend. To reserve, call Eleanor Cerge at 776-9357.
Malone will speak on the "Five Year Operating and Strategic Financial Plan" of the V.I. government. The public is invited to attend. To reserve, call Eleanor Cerge at 776-9357.
WOMEN CHARGED SEPARATELY, IMPLICATED JOINTLY
According to charges announced by the V.I. Justice Department Wednesday, one former employee responsible for collecting and depositing child-support payments is facing 27 counts of embezzlement and another who held a similar post is accused of 12 counts of lying to the government in order to secure food stamps and public housing.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
PUBLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION AUG. 24
Public school registration for the 2000-2001 school year will be held August 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Julius E. Sprauve School.
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
WOMEN CHARGED SEPARATELY, IMPLICATED JOINTLY
According to charges announced by the V.I. Justice Department Wednesday, one former employee responsible for collecting and depositing child-support payments is facing 27 counts of embezzlement and another who held a similar post is accused of 12 counts of lying to the government in order to secure food stamps and public housing.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
PUBLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION AUG. 24
Public school registration for the 2000-2001 school year will be held August 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Julius E. Sprauve School.
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
WOMEN CHARGED SEPARATELY, IMPLICATED JOINTLY
According to charges announced by the V.I. Justice Department Wednesday, one former employee responsible for collecting and depositing child-support payments is facing 27 counts of embezzlement and another who held a similar post is accused of 12 counts of lying to the government in order to secure food stamps and public housing.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
The allegations have to do with two separate cases, according Justice officials. However, an affidavit by a Justice agent filed in Territorial Court implicates both Dina Hermon, charged with embezzlement, and Cheryl Serrant, accused of welfare fraud, in the falsifying of records concerning the collection of support payments and their deposit into a Division of Paternity and Child Support bank account.
Hermon, charged with the embezzlement, is alleged to have defrauded the division of cash which she received but never deposited in the Banco Popular account, which she was charged with maintaining.
Serrant, in charges unrelated to her former employment in the department, faces 12 counts of filing fraudulent government claims, obtaining money under false pretense and perjury.
Both women were suspended from their jobs in the St. Thomas division office in mid- 1999, and, based on investigation findings, were terminated late last year.
According to Justice officials, the department's White Collar Crime Unit launched the investigation into the collection and deposit operations after an audit found $238,992.59 missing over four years, from 1996 through 1999.
In the affidavit filed with the court on Wednesday, a Justice agent said the investigation focused on both women, each of whom had worked as a collector/cashier at the department. The agent stated that, in each case for which a deposit shortage was noted, one of the women had hand-written the receipt, entered the transaction into the computer, or prepared the deposit slip.
Changes on the deposit slips, initialed by Hermon or Serrant, "reflected a lesser dollar amount having been deposited than the actual amount collected," the affidavit states. Checks collected were fraudulently substituted for cash collected so as to give the appearance that all cash collected was deposited, it states, and in some instances, money collected never appeared on deposit slips.
The affidavit cites the following as an example: "A parent made a payment in cash at the Office of Paternity and Child Support in the amount of $1,200," and Hermon signed and issued a receipt for the payment. But investigators have "determined that this amount was not deposited, the receipt was not accounted for, and there was no record for the receipt."
It is alleged that the cash was embezzled in August, October and November of 1998 and in April, May, June and August of last year.
Attorney General Iver Stridiron, appearing on a WSTA Radio talk show Thursday, said although the cash was not being deposited, the Paternity and Child Support Division "continued to make payments" to those certified to receive them. "Eventually it would have collapsed," he said of the scheme, describing it as a "rob Peter to pay Paul scenario."
In the case with which Serrant has been charged, Justice alleges that in application for re- certification for participation in the territorial food stamp program, she submitted a memo dated July 21, 1998, stating that she "does not receive child support for her five children," whose father is Cecil Fahie. She is further accused of submitting similar statements for re-certification in the "Section 8" public housing program.
According to court documents, "Notarized statements from Serrant to both agencies were submitted on May 20, 1999; July 20, 1998 and June 30, 1997." But, according to the documents, as part of the application for further re-certification for food stamps on February 4, 2000, Fahie submitted a statement saying that "he provides whatever his children needs."
No date has been set for the arraignment of either defendant. Each was served on Wednesday with a summons to appear in court to face the charges. As no arrest was made in either case, there will be no advice-of-rights hearings and each defendant will make her initial appearance in court at arraignment proceedings.
PUBLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION STARTS JULY 5
Public school registration for the 2000-2001 school year will be held July 5 to July 26 at the Curriculum Center across from the Seventh Day Adventist School in Estate Tutu.
Registration process will be held from 8:15 am. to 12 noon.
The registration schedule on St. Thomas will be conducted according to the first letter of the child's last name, as follows:
July 5 – A
July 6 – B
July 7 – C
July 10 – D
July 11 – E & F
July 12 – G
JuIy13 — H
July 14 – J
July l7 – K&L
July 18 — M
July l9 – N
July 20 – P & 0
July 2l — R
July 24 – S
July 25 – T
July 26 – U to Z
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
Children registering for kindergarten must be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2000.
Registration process will be held from 8:15 am. to 12 noon.
The registration schedule on St. Thomas will be conducted according to the first letter of the child's last name, as follows:
July 5 – A
July 6 – B
July 7 – C
July 10 – D
July 11 – E & F
July 12 – G
JuIy13 — H
July 14 – J
July l7 – K&L
July 18 — M
July l9 – N
July 20 – P & 0
July 2l — R
July 24 – S
July 25 – T
July 26 – U to Z
Parents or guardians must bring the following items with them to register: 1) the child to be registered; 2) The original birth certificate (US Citizens only); 3) Passports, Resident Cards, Naturalization Certificates (Non-Citizens only); 4) V.I. Immunization Cards; 5) Report Cards from previous schools; 6) Proof of Parents' physical address (Drivers' Licenses, voters ID, Cable TV or WAPA bill; 7) Child's social security card or number.
Children registering for kindergarten must be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2000.
