ECU Rounds Up St. Thomas Man in Massive Identity Theft, Vehicle Fraud Scheme

While some people are busy complaining about the news cycle, the VIPD Economic Crime Unit has been busy tracking a different kind of “entrepreneur.”

Jeffrey T. Howard, 65, is currently cooling his heels at the Bureau of Corrections after a multi-year investigation revealed a sophisticated web of forgery and identity theft. According to the VIPD, Howard didn’t just steal a name; he stole a life’s credentials to build a fleet of vehicles from Metro Motors, only to flip them for a profit without the victim ever knowing.

**VIPD mug shot of** **Jeffrey T. Howard, 65, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands**

With bail set at a staggering $100,000, it’s clear the Magistrate Judge isn’t viewing this as a “simple misunderstanding.” Howard faces a litany of charges that would make a career criminal blush:

Forgery
Identity Theft
Obtaining Property by False Pretense
Filing Forged Instruments
Fraudulent Claims upon the Government

At the V.I. Free Press, we believe “Better is Better”—and a better-informed public is a safer one. Whether it’s a billionaire’s bank account or a fraudster’s fake signature, if it happens in the Territory, we’re going to look at it.

John McCarthy