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.
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.