Contractor Arrested on Fraud Charges in St. Croix Renovation Case
Cue Writer
A St. Croix contractor was arrested Tuesday on fraud-related charges following an Economic Crimes Unit investigation, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
VIPD said Tyler Peworchik, 40, surrendered June 23 at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station with his attorney after an arrest warrant was obtained. Police said the investigation began Jan. 23 after a fraud complaint.
According to the department, investigators alleged Peworchik operated as a contractor in the territory without a valid business license and induced a victim to issue 35 checks totaling more than $181,000 for renovation work that was not completed.
Police said the funds were supposed to cover flooring renovations, electrical work and fence completion, but alleged subcontractors were not paid as represented and the work was not finished.
Peworchik was booked on charges of obtaining money by false pretenses, grand larceny, embezzlement by fiduciaries and access to computers for fraudulent purposes, VIPD said. Bail was set at $35,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility pending an advice-of-rights hearing in Superior Court.
Source: Virgin Islands Police Department