A 30-year-old woman was charged with possession of stolen property Friday after police staking out a Smith Bay bar caught her with a 40-inch flat screen television allegedly stolen in a recent burglary.
According to police, officers observed several people crowding around a vehicle containing several flat screen televisions and a laptop computer at the El Cubano Bar and Restaurant.
Police observed a woman, later identified as Maria Francisca Feliz, put one flat screen television into a vehicle and drive to a private residence in Estate Smith Bay. Feliz then entered the private home with the television.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered a 40-inch flat screen television that was later confirmed as being stolen in a recent burglary. Another 37-inch flat screen television, which police also believed to be stolen, was also confiscated from the home.
Her bail was set at $10,000, which she was unable to post. Feliz was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending her court appearance.
Police returned to the El Cubano Bar and Restaurant armed with a search warrant. They confiscated three flat screen TVs and three laptops. One laptop was confirmed stolen in a recent burglary and police believe the other items are also stolen property.
The investigation into the case continues.
The Police Department cautions the public that purchasing stolen goods is illegal and buyers as well as sellers can face criminal prosecution. Additionally, buying and selling stolen goods increases criminal activity in a community. Proceeds from the sale of stolen goods can be used to purchase weapons, drugs and other items that are detrimental to the community.
Report those buying stolen goods to Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.
