ST. THOMAS — Two years after pleading guilty to accessing a computer for fraudulent purposes in a case involving embezzling credit union client funds, Kadijah Smith is back before the courts on similar charges. 

On Monday, Smith surrendered to detectives of the Economic Crime Unit, who were investigating a report of embezzlement by a Liberty VI employee. 

Liberty officials reported that Smith, who had begun working at the telecoms company after resigning from St. Thomas Federal Credit Union amidst the investigation into her alleged embezzlement, was in February of this year suspected of fraudulently crediting over $20,000 to Liberty customer accounts.

Ms. Smith reportedly admitted to issuing the unauthorized credits, including to her own account. A warrant for her arrest was ultimately issued on October 9, on charges of embezzlement, grand larceny, and obtaining money by false pretenses. 

Smith's plea deal in 2023 spared her of similar charges: 2 counts of obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, and embezzlement. Facing up to 10 years in prison and fines topping $10,000, she was instead handed a suspended sentence of three years incarceration, 50 hours of community service, and an order of restitution for $2,500, as well as $575 in associated costs and fees. She had been accused of fraudulently transferring monies from  credit union customers into her own account.

After her surrender on the fresh embezzlement charges this week, Smith appeared before Magistrate Paula Norkaitis, who set bail at $35,000 with 20% due in cash in order for her release from detention ahead of trial.