From left to right, mugshots of Imai Demming and Mayasia Smith. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Two women have been charged with credit card fraud after they allegedly went on an unauthorized shopping spree at Fashion Nova and Walmart.
Imai Demming age 22 of Michael Kirwan Terrace was arrested by warrant on the afternoon of January 3rd. Mayasia Smith, age 23 of Charlotte Amalie was arrested a day later. According to a press release from the VIPD, both women were charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and grand larceny. Smith was additionally charged with embezzlement by fiduciaries.
The press release further states that the two allegedly made over $800 worth of unauthorized online credit card purchases from Walmart and Fashion Nova in August 2021. The U.S. Postal Inspector reportedly assisted with the investigation. No further details on the matter have been released by the VIPD.
Following their arrest, bail was set at $20,000 each and they were both turned over to the Bureau of Corrections until their advisement hearings on Wednesday.
The two appeared for separate virtual hearings moments apart, where judge Paula Norkaitis advised them of the possible jail time they face if convicted. The offense of grand larceny is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while fraudulent use of a credit card carries a maximum imprisonment of 3 years, based on the specifics of the case. Smith could also face up to 10 years in jail for embezzlement by fiduciaries.
Assistant V.I. Attorney General Brenda Scales indicated that Demmings’ bail had previously been posted and that the people had no objection to her release being continued. However, Scales noted that the defendant allegedly made contact with the victim and their family after her arrest, and requested that the court prohibit her from any further contact with any victims or witnesses. However, Demmings’ attorney Carl Williams indicated that he had spoken with his client and a court order was not necessary as she is now fully aware of her rights, responsibilities and obligations not to make contact.
Nevertheless, judge Norkaitis stressed that no contact was a strict condition of Demming’s release, which will be continued in the amount of $20,000 with a 10 percent provision as previously granted. She has also been ordered to surrender all travel documents and is forbidden from leaving the territory without prior court permission.
Mayasia Smith’s bail was also continued as set in the amount of $20,000 with 10 percent provision, which Scales did not object to. According to Norkaitis, the amount has already been posted. Smith has also been ordered to have no contact with any victims or witnesses and must not leave the territory without court permission.
