Man Allegedly Stole up to $80K in Liquor From Grocery Store; Faces Grand Larceny, Embezzlement Charges

Jaheel Smith is pictured in the middle. (Photo: Virgin Islands Police Department/Facebook)

A reported grand larceny has been investigated by The Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) regarding a man who allegedly stole up to $80,000 in liquor, reported VIPD.

According to VIPD, the 30-year-old man, Jaheel Smith, was seen removing several boxes of alcoholic beverages from the shelves of a grocery store on Oct. 2. The manager of the store contacted police after confronting Smith, who reportedly admitted to stealing liquor products worth “between $60,000 to $80,000” over a period of several months, per the report.

Smith apparently admitted to selling the alcohol to other businesses in the area.

A warrant was obtained for Smith’s arrest following further investigation. On Nov. 12, Smith was picked up by Liberty County Sheriff Department in Georgia where he signed a waiver of extradition, VIPD reported. On Nov. 23, Smith was picked up and transported back to St. Croix.

According to the police department, Smith was charged with embezzlement by employee and grand larceny. A bail of $35,000 was set.

On Nov. 25, Smith was transported and remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending Advised of Rights Hearing after being unable to post bond, per the report.

Read more: Video of Alleged Beer Theft Helps Police Solve 4-Day Crime Spree Case of Kidnapping and Robbery

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