Well-known locals were thrown in the slammer for various trumped-up "crimes" and outlandish charges Saturday, all in a good cause: AZ Academy’s Scholarship Fund.
Local thespian Lionel Downer, playing a judge, arraigned the prisoners and set bail. The bail money raised goes directly to the fund, which helps provide financial assistance to St. Croix families.
Jennifer Matarangas-King, vice president of public relations and governmental affairs at Innovative, said she had to make some calls to raise bail for her husband Daniel Matarangas-King so he could be released from jail Saturday. Attorney Daniel Matarangas-King was arrested for premeditated procurement of funds for AZ Academy with charity aforethought. His bail was set at $1,000.
“I’m thankful Innovative supported this cause and bailed me out,” Daniel Matarangas-King said. “Thank goodness I know someone at Innovative to pay my bail. This is nepotism at its best for charity.”
Matarangas-King, a repeat offender interviewed in the slammer, said the event is a fun way to raise money for a great cause to help children get a good education.
John Harper, Rotarian and bicyclist, was arrested and charged with public display of beating his wife in a triathlon. He had to raise $1,000 in bail money that will go for scholarships. 
Mark Eckard was arrested and charged with conspiring with public officials to cultivate business development. He yelled as he was cuffed and led in front of Downer. Downer, wearing a black robe and sunglasses, said justice is blind and noted that Eckard was a repeat offender arrested for his third time in Jail or Bail. His bail was set at a hefty $2,000.
Lucie Rodriguez, a grandmother and ARRP volunteer, was arrested for begging. Rodriguez, also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, is always begging for donations to find a cure for cancer.
“AZ Academy supports the children and the community so I want to show my support for the children by raising money.”
KiKi and the Flaming Gypsies were arraigned and entertained the crowd gathered in the yard at the Comache Mill Yacht-less Club and passed around the cup for donations to make their bail. And Dick’s Garage band played for their bail money.
Mauree Heller, a co-founder of the academy and program director, said school officials did the Jail or Bail as a fun way to raise money, instead of standard events, like golf outings. He called the event, in its fourth year, a really neat concept in fundraising.
Heller added it has been successful without putting a lot of money and manpower into the family affair. Last year they raised $23,000. The school also holds a fall festival that he said also generates a decent amount, but it’s a lot of work.
Paula Heller, AZ co-founder, said at the close of the event they had made around $20,000 and there were a lot more pledges coming so they should match or surpass last years’ total.
“The community has really rallied around the cause for education,” Paula Heller said. “I’m thankful for and really excited to see the support from the community.”
Organizers said it’s a crime depriving children of the chance for a quality education.
AZ Academy has vouchers available that are not based on financial need and range from $750 to $1,500. Some 73 percent of AZ students receive an average of $3,800 in financial aid. The enrollment is currently at 85. AZ was founded in 1998 and is a Middle States Association accredited Pre-K through 12th grade school located in Orange Grove. Call (340) 718-7909 for information about the school and enrollment.
