Prosecutors said Raynaldo Oquendo assisted Mashama Ferdinand in fraudulently inflating her company’s payroll by more than $130,000 in 2020 to collect close to $400,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans. (Shutterstock photo illustration)
Federal prosecutors announced Monday the indictment of a Georgia man who allegedly collected $30,000 for helping a Charlotte Amalie cake shop cheat the U.S. government’s COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program.
Prosecutors said Raynaldo Oquendo, 38, assisted Mashama Ferdinand in fraudulently inflating the number of employees and payroll requirements of her company in 2020. They allegedly claimed Shama’s Specialties had a payroll obligation of nearly $154,000 when the actual payroll was closer to $20,000, according to court records.
He was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy.
Based on a calculation of $460,079.82 in payroll a quarter, the federal government awarded Shama’s Specialties $383,397 in PPP loans, prosecutors said. But the alleged ruse didn’t hold up long.
After collecting the money, Ferdinand sent three $9,999 payments to three bank accounts controlled by Oquendo, prosecutors said. Banks have to report deposits of $10,000 or more, so $9,999 is a common payment amount for those seeking to avoid detection.
United States Attorney Delia L. Smith alleged Oquendo collected nearly $30,000 for his role, which included using his mother’s internet address to submit the fraudulent loan application. If convicted, Oquendo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
It was unclear if Oquendo knew of the indictment. Court records filed Monday indicated he lived in Puerto Rico.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Miguel Orr, 29, Rayvon Smith, 21, Sherland Campbell, 39 and Romaine Betty, 29, all of Jamaica, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, the United States Coast Guard intercepted a vessel located approximately 14 nautical miles off the coast of Haiti. Onboard the vessel were the four defendants and approximately 3,700 pounds of marijuana, which was hidden in a compartment of the vessel.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging N’Kel Morton, 30, of St. Thomas, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal firearm possession, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2023, a Drug Enforcement Administration
undercover agent purchased cocaine from Morton in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas. At the time of his arrest, Morton, who was on supervised release following his prior federal firearm conviction, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Santos Jiminez Caraballo, 42, of the Dominican Republic, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, between November 2021 and December 2, 2021, Caraballo
negotiated the sale of cocaine to an undercover federal agent. On December 2, 2021, Caraballo met the undercover agent in an undisclosed location of St. Thomas to complete the sale of 10 kilograms cocaine. Caraballo later fled the scene, first by car and then by foot, leaving behind the 10 kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. If convicted, Caraballo faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging William Giraldo Cabanzo, 59, of Columbia, with reentry of a removed alien and unlawful bringing of aliens into the United States. Cabanzo was previously removed from the United States on April 3, 2021, for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of his removal, he was barred from reapplying for entry into the United States for five years, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, in June 2024, federal agents apprehended Cabanzo after he
was observed exiting a vehicle in the Charlotte Amalie area of St. Thomas. He later admitted to having reentered the United States Virgin Islands in May 2024. In addition to the illegal reentry charge, Cabanzo was also charged with unlawfully bringing a family from Venezuela into the United States in April 2024. According to court documents, Cabanzo contacted the Venezuelan family and agreed to assist them in entering the United States illegally. He initially charged the family $4,000.00 for his services and, upon their arrival at his residence in Tortola, BVI, Cabanzo demanded an additional $4,000.00 to arrange their transportation to the United States. On May 15, 2024, after receiving the payments, Cabanzo arranged the family’s travel from Tortola, BVI, to St. Thomas, where they entered the United States illegally.
The charges against Cabanzo highlight the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to prevent
the illegal reentry of previously removed aliens and to combat human smuggling activities that pose a significant threat to national security. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.
Jimmar A. Payne, 31, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III to Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for Dec. 12, where Payne faces a maximum sentence of five years incarceration. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2023, Virgin Islands Police Department
officers conducted a traffic stop of Payne’s vehicle on the Melvin Evans Highway in the vicinity of the Ricardo Richards Elementary School for failure to display a visible rear license plate. Officers later observed a handgun protruding from under the driver’s seat of Payne’s vehicle. Payne did not have a license to possess the firearm.
Jeanne Josée Ani Deckert was conceived in Santiago, Chile, born in France on June 9, 1928, and died on June 28, 2024, on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She is survived by her godchild, Olivia Bouchon-Duquenois, and her spouse, Rosary E. Harper.
Her childhood was shaped in part by World War II when she and her mother left Paris during the occupation for the South of France to Juan-les-Pins.
Josée earned a degree from L’École Nationale Des Arts Décoratifs de Paris in sculpture and soon was hired at the Musée de L’Homme to make molds and replicas of priceless ancient artifacts.
Later, she taught French to young villagers in Burkina Faso for two years, and for six years taught photography and ceramics for the US Army in camps throughout France.
She continued teaching photography and ceramics in a private atelier in Paris until she moved to St. Thomas in 1970, where she taught French to Peace Corp volunteers and, in time, taught art at Sts. Peter and Paul and Antilles schools.
The theater faculty of UVI bestowed upon her the title “Artist in Residence” for all the invaluable contributions she made to the theatre program. Her skillful painting of scenery made the settings come alive. She designed approximately forty posters for performances staged during 1970-2005, some of which still hang in the entranceway to UVI’s Little Theatre.
Josée’s works can be found in private collections in the Caribbean and the US. She exhibited locally at the Reichhold Center for the Arts, Fort Christian, CARIFESTA, and the First Biennale of Central America.
Josée was very pleased to become a naturalized American citizen; she loved the open attitude of Americans. She was a material girl with an affinity for the physical world. She understood the winds over the Mediterranean and the salt ponds on the East End of St. Thomas. She had a special relationship with her large, flourishing avocado tree grown from a seed.
She was also an intellectual, read endlessly, and loved to argue avidly about politics, religion and current events. She had boundless curiosity, often exploring aspects of history, grammar and culture that piqued her interest.
Her artwork is distinctive and recognizable for its unique treatment of Caribbean light, air and water, her main sources of inspiration. A local farmer dubbed her “The Skyscraper” for her frequent and vivid depictions of the Caribbean skies.
Josée’s wishes during those war years were to one day live on an island, to eat chicken whenever she liked and to watch movies. She had the good fortune to fulfill those wishes for 58 years with her companion and great love, Rosary (Lapin).
Ronald Charles transitioned peacefully on July 21, 2024.
He is survived by his Wife: Melodia Charles, his children, Ronald Charles Jr., Alicia Flowers, and JaRon Charles; Grandchildren: Amari Charles and Camille Byrd; Siblings: Vedamae Oliver, Elmo James, Jr. (Gene James), Gregory Charles, and Michelle Charles; He also leaves behind a host of family members and dear friends to carry on his legacy.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, viewing at 9:30 am, with service beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
A Tropical Storm Watch and a Flood Watch have been issued for the USVI and Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy NWS, San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Tropical storm and flood watches have been issued for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as a tropical wave continues moving toward the Caribbean. The disturbance is forecast to reach the local area around Tuesday night.
As of 8 a.m. on Monday, the National Hurricane Center explained that the tropical wave, currently called Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, is located approximately 750 miles to the east-southeast of St. Thomas, USVI, and moving toward the west across the Atlantic at approximately 26 mph, packing winds of roughly 30 mph.
The storm is expected to intensify into a tropical depression on Monday and further intensify into a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph, before reaching the USVI around Tuesday night. If the storm intensifies into a tropical storm, it will be given the name “Ernesto,” the fifth named cyclone of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours, [and] a Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours,” the NHC explained. (A video from the Source explaining the difference between a Tropical Storm Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning can be viewed here.)
“Key Messages” regarding Potential Tropical Cyclone Five as of 5 a.m. on Monday. Several tropical alerts have been issued, and additional alerts may soon be issued for the USVI and Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy NHC)
“The first rainbands will arrive by Tuesday afternoon, becoming more frequent and heavier Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning,” the NWS said. “Hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also expected, beginning as early as Tuesday evening,” the NWS added.
“Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business,” the NWS advised. “Deliberate efforts should be underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked and ready,” the NWS said.
“When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast [storm] track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account,” the NWS explained.
Weather Updates
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will provide continuous updates on the storm, and detailed information can be found on the NWS website. Weather forecast information, including severe weather alerts, is also available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we are announcing the passing of our beloved husband, son, father, brother, and uncle, Olsen A. Forde Sr., better known as “Al,” who passed away at the age of 56 on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lauriston Forde, father-in-law Elmo Thomas Sr., uncle George Greene Sr. siblings Janet, Sonia, Hugh, Euston, and Trevor Forde. Nephews Jamar Forde, Omoi Forde, Elsworth Davis, and Rohan Richardson, and niece Enika Hill. Olsen is survived by his Wife Michelle Thomas-Forde, Mother Marion Forde, Mother-in-Law Dr. Linda Thomas, Brothers Gary Forde, Ian Forde and Devon Forde, Sisters Eren “Tiny” Forde, Iwilder Forde-Greenaway, Tracey Forde-Athill, Julia Greene-Brathwaite, Diane Jo-Anne Forde and Ann-Marie Forde, Sons Olsen Forde Jr., Okeem Forde and Akyri Forde, Daughters Ayesha Forde and Oneiqua Forde, Grandchildren Zyauna Woods, Zahyir Woods, Juel Forde, Alana Forde, Alaya Forde, O’Miia Forde and O’Mera Forde, Aunts Annette Charles, and Nora Watson, Aunts-in-Law Clarencia Malone, Myra Faulkner, Jenice Thomas, Beaulah Thomas, Cynthia Trotman, and Angela Thomas, Uncles Edgar Greene, Elsworth Greene, Trevor Greene, Algen Greene and Jerome Greene, Uncles-in-Law Theodolph Faulkner, O’Brien Charles, Kenneth Thomas, Milford Thomas, and Roy Thomas, Nieces Jo-Anne Margetson, Tamika Chung, Jo-Lique Margetson, T’Ary Forde, Morvet Davis, Diahann Benjamin, Pauline Benjamin, Fawn Roberts, Isha John, Kemra Matthew, Desriee Forde, and JoyAnn Roacher, Nephews Aldwyn Archer, O’Mari Forde, Jemari Forde, Kimoi Forde, Jabari Forde, Terrance Grosvenor Jr., Omahl Forde, Jacoby Forde, Jeovanni Forde, Demori Forde, Malik Forde, Mekhi Forde, Deomari Forde, Ian Forde Jr., Marvo Nathaniel, Omarie Greenaway, Omarlie Greenaway, Hakim Greenaway, Desmon Jarvis, Jahwan Athill, Fitzroy Davis, Jobally Forde, Deroy Davis, Jaren Thomas, Joel Hodge, Orson Isaac, Donell Roacher, Junior Roacher and Kayce Matthew Great Nieces Je’Zari Forde, Osyani Forde, J’Teya Forde, A’Mani Forde, O’Maya Forde, Kimiah Forde, Emily Archer, Azariah Grosvenor, Kamryn Forde and K’iara Forde, Great Nephews Jaylen Margetson, Aiden Archer, O’Mai Forde, O’Mir Forde, Orion Forde, Jemari Forde Jr., Amari Forde, Amir Forde, Je’Zani Forde, Kimori Forde, Ma’Jestik Francis, Kaiden Forde and Zay’Vion Williams, Godchildren Jahniyah Callwood, Kymani Christopher, Keianna Christopher, Ashay Rhymer, Sa’nyah Mercer and Raykwon Mercer Brothers-in-Law Alvin Brathwaite and Elmo Thomas Jr. Sisters-in-Law Takola Creque-Forde, Neressa Forde and Dr. Jermaine Jean-Pierre. Special Friends Ras Bobby Olivacce, Isidro “Rocker” Meyers, Craig Christopher, Tiana Lee, Vera Powell, Farrah Rajkumar, Maricel Melendez, Hugh “Dave” Pearson, Arthur “Jerry” Joseph, Clayton Cable, Duane Bell, Valarie Caines, Kate Davis, Myron Thomas, Andrew ‘Andy’ Dys, Elston Ajabe Rhymer Sr., Clem Claxton, Tony and Dolly (Fatts) Lathuillerie and family, Jerry and Judy Rivera and family, Ira Dowe, Ricky Smith, Denvil “Wilwil” Blash, Catalina Johnson and Family. Jacqueline Faulkner and Family, Michelle’s Scotia Bank Family, First Class Security, Chief Theodore Glasford and the UVI Family and many other relatives and friends.
Olsen was a joyful person and a force of love. His departure has left a lasting effect on all of us. He was known for his dedication to his work.
Olsen’s celebration of life services are as follows: The first viewing will be held at Turnbull Funeral Home on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. The second viewing will be at the Wesley Methodist Church on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10:00 am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
