VIPD mugshot of Jenae Almestica. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — Jenae Almestica, a 34-year-old employee at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, has been arrested for multiple fraud and theft charges, the V.I. Police Department has announced.
Detectives from the VIPD's Economic Crimes Unit executed two warrants on Almestica after two separate complaints were filed against her in 2021.
The first investigation was initiated on February 25, 2021, which revealed that Almestica had embezzled a total of $6,256.37 of government funds by knowingly preparing over sixty-six registrations using her login information, which were all printed with her initials for different customers.
The second investigation was initiated on April 13, 2021, which revealed that Almestica had taken a female victim’s checkbook without her permission, forged her signature, and wrote eleven checks totaling $8,516.00 without authorization.
Arrest warrants were obtained for Almestica, and they were entered into the National Crime Information Center database. On April 13, 2023, at approximately 7:32 p.m., Almestica turned herself in at the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station. She was served with both arrest warrants, advised of her Miranda Rights, and placed under arrest without incident.
Almestica has been charged with embezzlement by public and private officers, two counts of obtaining money by false pretense, two counts of grand larceny, conversion of government property, and forgery.
Based on the incidents, bail was set at $10,000 for embezzlement by public and private officers, obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, and conversion of government property, and $20,000 for obtaining money by false pretense, forgery, and grand larceny.
Almestica was unable to post bail, and she was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility pending her advice of rights hearing.
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