Couple Arrested After Allegedly Stealing $500,000 in COVID Relief Funds

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A couple accused of teaming up to steal $500,000 in COVID relief funds has been arrested on St. Croix, authorities said.

Kenyetta Riddick, 56, and Andrew John, 43, were each arrested and charged with participating in a Criminally Influenced and Corrupt Organization through frauds on creditors, obtaining money by false pretense, fraudulent claims upon the government, access to computer for fraudulent purposes and grand larceny, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

The case began on June 9, 2023, when the Economic Crime Unit began a fraud investigation after a complaint was filed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to the VIPD.