Mugshot of Kristy Bochecchio. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A woman from Brooklyn, New York is currently facing multiple felony charges after being arrested on Wednesday.
A warrant for Kristy Bochecchio’s arrest was issued by Superior Court Magistrate Paula Norkaitis on February 2 this year, and executed June 19 when she surrendered to the Economic Crimes Unit of the V.I. Police Department. Ms. Bochecchio was subsequently charged with grand larceny, access to a computer for fraudulent purposes, and fraudulent claims upon the government.
With the case filed under seal, little is known about the details of Ms. Bochecchio’s alleged crimes, except for a VIPD statement which said that she had been implicated in the disappearance of more than $500,000 from the 2020 Government of the Virgin Islands Economic Stimulus Account. The money was taken over a period of time, police say.
After her arrest, Bochecchio was remanded into custody until her advice of rights hearing. In court on Thursday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis ordered that Bochecchio be allowed to post 10% of her $100,000 bail to be released ahead of trial, provided she surrenders her New York driver’s license.
Once released from detention, the defendant will be required to report to the probation office once a week by telephone, and must also abstain from using alcohol or controlled substances while the matter is pending.
Bochecchio’s attorney requested permission for her to reside in Georgia and attend trial proceedings remotely, arguing that she voluntarily traveled to St. Thomas from Atlanta to turn herself in when she learned that there was a warrant for her arrest. Counsel for the defense also told the court that the 45-year-old had no significant ties to the Virgin Islands, having only visited St. Thomas once on a family vacation. According to what has been published on the public court docket as of press time, the judge has not yet ruled on that request.
Arraignment for Ms. Bochecchio is scheduled for July 5.
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