VIPD Arrest Suspect In Over $20,000 in False Renovation Claims

The owner of a construction company who allegedly took over $20,000 from victims of Hurricane Irma and Maria to renovate their homes and did not fulfill his obligations was apprehended on Saturday, said V.I. Police Department.

Back on June 25, 2020, police began an investigation into two separate complaints of reported cases of obtaining money by false pretenses that revealed that Jeffrey Magras, 62, was a suspect, according to police report.

VIPD said an arrest warrant was obtained but it was later discovered that Magras was no longer in the Territory. On January 29, he was apprehended and detained in the state of Florida. Magras declined to waive extradition.

Police report indicated that Magras was later apprehended on a Governor’s Warrant, and on Saturday was brought back to the Territory through the extradition process, and turned over to detectives.

Margars was charged for grand larceny and obtaining money by false pretenses. Bail was set at $25,000, but unable to post bail, he was remanded to corrections pending advise of rights hearing, scheduled for Monday, said VIPD.