St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – On September 20, 2025, the Virgin Islands Police Department’s
Economic Crimes Unit initiated an investigation following an Embezzlement by Employee complaint
filed by The Home Depot.
The investigation revealed that Melina Figueroa, while employed as a cashier, knowingly and
fraudulently embezzled funds on several occasions. Surveillance footage captured Figueroa removing
cash from her register and concealing it in her pocket. When questioned by store management,
Figueroa admitted to the offenses, acknowledging that she had embezzled approximately $5,000.00.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Melina Figueroa.
On October 23, 2025, at approximately 10:23 a.m., Figueroa surrendered herself at the Wilbur H.
Francis Command Police Station, where she was advised of her rights, served her arrest warrant, and
taken into custody without incident. She was subsequently booked and charged with the following
offenses, Embezzlement by Employee, Obtaining Money by False Pretense, Grand Larceny, and Access
to Computer for Fraudulent Purposes.
Bail for Figueroa was set at $35,000.00; however, she was permitted to post ten percent. On the same
date, she posted $3,500.00 and was released on her own recognizance, pending her Advice of Rights
Hearing scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
