Crime

Man Convicted of Grand Larceny in First Jury Trial Since Covid-19 Pandemic For Stealing Minor's iPhone

V.I. Attorney General Denise George has announced that the territory’s first jury trial held in the V.I. Superior court since Covid-induced closures concluded with a verdict Thursday. In the case of The People of the Virgin Islands vs Ala Zatar, the court has found the defendant guilty on all counts of felony grand larceny and possession of stolen property. Jury selection began on Monday and the trial began on Wednesday. Closing arguments were held Thursday. The jury deliberated for two hours before returning guilty verdicts. Sentencing for Zatar is scheduled for December 9. According to the Affidavit, a minor and her mother reported that on November 30, 2019, the minor, accompanied by her toddler sister went into Smart Mart Gas Station and convenience store located by Krum Bay Road, St. Thomas to purchase miscellaneous items. While shopping, the minor placed her iPhone XR cellphone, valued at $1,000 down on a box below the counter inside of the store. She then paid for the items a...