ST. THOMAS — A man accused of purchasing a stolen Toyota RAV4 for $2,500 without obtaining a bill of sale or any ownership documents was arrested Thursday after police located the vehicle traveling through the Crown Mountain area.
Javiel Jackson was charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a vehicle. During questioning, he told investigators that he purchased the SUV from a man he knew only as “Talawah.”
According to police, the red RAV4 was reported stolen on June 23. Its owner said the vehicle was parked in his yard when he went to bed at approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 22.
When he went outside about 12 hours later, the SUV was gone.
Police issued an all-points bulletin for the vehicle after receiving the report. Investigators later learned that the stolen RAV4 may have been used in several burglaries on St. Thomas.
Just before noon Thursday, police received information that the missing vehicle had been seen traveling through Crown Mountain. Members of the Special Operations Bureau located the SUV and arrested Mr. Jackson, who was driving it at the time.
Mr. Jackson told investigators that he had paid “Talawah” $2,500 in cash for the RAV4. He said the man gave him the keys but did not provide a bill of sale.
Mr. Jackson had also not obtained a title, registration or any other documents establishing ownership of the vehicle.
He appeared before Magistrate Julie Smith Todman on Friday morning for an advice-of-rights hearing. The judge found probable cause to uphold all three charges.
Bail was set at $25,000. Mr. Jackson must post $2,500 in cash to secure his release pending trial, with the remaining amount signed as an unsecured bond.
He will also be required to report to the probation office in person each week and comply with the other standard conditions imposed by the court.
Mr. Jackson’s next hearing is scheduled for July 31.
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