Mugshot of Jeffrey John Magras. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — The owner of a construction that performed work in the territory during the storms of 2017 is now in custody after allegedly committing acts of fraud against victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Jeffrey John Magras, 62, has been extradited back to the U.S. Virgin Islands to face charges of grand larceny and obtaining money by false pretenses.
The investigation began on June 25, 2020, when the Economic Crimes Unit received two separate complaints against Magras, alleging he had taken over $20,000 from hurricane victims under the guise of home renovations. However, it was reported that he did not fulfill his obligations, leading to the charges against him.
After further investigation, the unit discovered that Magras was no longer residing in the Virgin Islands. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued and added to the National Crime Information Systems (N.C.I.C). On January 29, 2023, Magras was finally apprehended in the state of Florida.
Following his arrest, Magras declined to waive extradition. Later, he was apprehended on a governor’s warrant. After a lengthy legal process, he was extradited back to the Virgin Islands on June 2, 2023. Upon his arrival, he was immediately turned over to the Economic Crimes Unit Detectives.
Magras now faces serious charges in connection with his alleged fraudulent activities. His bail has been set at $25,000, which he as unable to post. After being advised of his Constitutional Rights, Magras declined to provide a statement.
Unable to post bail, he was remanded into the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing scheduled for Monday.
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