CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A man who mcguyvered his last paycheck for $600 — into a check for a whopping $5,000 — is now enjoying his $4,400 in ill-gotten gains in the St. Thomas jai.
Makram Salem was arrested and charged with two counts of forgery, obtaining money by false pretenses and passing forged bills or notes, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The case began on May 24, 2024, when the Economic Crime Unit started investigating a forgery complaint filed by St. Thomas Cargo and Ship Services, according to the VIPD.
VIPD mug shot of Makram Salem of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.
“Investigation revealed that Makram Salem, a former employee of St. Thomas Cargo and Ship Services, received a check from the company for approximately over six hundred dollars,” VIPD spokeswoman Sakeeda Freeman said. “Salem took the same check he received from said company; altered it, deposited it into his account and received more than five thousand dollars.”
After a thorough investigation, an arrest warrant was secured for Makram Salem, police said.
The suspect was arrested at his residence located at #38 First Avenue, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, according to police.
Salem was then transported to Richard N. Callwood Command where he was advised by officers of the charges against him. He was then advised of his Miranda Rights, booked and processed.
Bail for Salem was set at $20,000.00. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections at the St. Thomas jail.
He is scheduled for an advice-of-rights hearing in Superior Court tomorrow.