Davidson Charlemagne, Wife, and VIHFA COO Darin Richardson Charged in $4 Million HUD Fraud Scheme

Accused of exploiting HUD's disaster relief efforts, the trio allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent operation, siphoning off millions meant for hurricane recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Department of Education Director of Maintenance, Davidson Charlemagne, 50, and his wife Sasha Charlemagne, 44, both of St. Croix, were arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the pair with government program fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

The indictment also charges former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson, 56, of St. Thomas, with criminal conflict of interest and making materially false statements.

“As alleged, these defendants exploited hurricane recovery efforts in order to develop and carry out a $4 million scheme to defraud taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith. “The indictment levied against these individuals sends a clear message that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners followed the money and will continue to hold public officials seeking to profit from natural disasters accountable for their crimes.