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Sandra L. Madrigal, left, and Michelle M. Mateo, right. By. The Virgin Islands Police Department
ST. CROIX -- On Friday at 8:42 p.m., detectives from the Economic Crimes Unit arrested Sandra L. Madrigal, 42 and Michelle M. Mateo, 25 and are looking for two other suspects who used their true identities to cash counterfeit checks in excess of $14,000 dollars within the territory, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima made known via release Sunday.
The suspects allegedly counterfeited the checks using the names of established St. Croix businesses, Mr. Derima said.
Ms. Madrigal and Ms. Mateo were charged with obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery, uttering or passing forged or counterfeited matters, possession of forged bills or notes, grand larceny, and identity theft.
Neither of the suspects were able to make bail of $50,000. However, while Ms. Madrigal was remanded to the Golden Grove Detention Center, Ms. Mateo was released on her own recognizance. Both suspects will face advisement hearings Monday. Mr. Derima said that if the two other suspects are apprehended and arrested, the information will be released to the public.
Mr. Derima said he was not certain why one of the suspects was released on her own recognizance by Superior Court Judge Miguel Camacho. It is also believed that both suspects reside in the same residence, Mr. Derima said.
Mr. Derima said the case is under investigation. The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information to call 911, the Economic Crimes Unit at (340) 778-2211, or contact Crime Stoppers USVI with an anonymous tip here.
