St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — V.I. Attorney Gordon C. Rhea announces that Brett “Mac” McClafferty, 37, was advised of his rights during a hearing held today at V.I Superior Court. He was arrested in connection with a financial fraud investigation involving multiple alleged fraudulent banking transactions and is charged with Grand Larceny, Passing or Possession of Forged Bills, Obtaining Money by False Pretense, Making and Passing Fictitious Bills and Notes, and Drawing and Delivering Worthless Checks. The matter is being prosecuted by the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (DOJ) White Collar Crime and Public Corruption Unit.
McClafferty’s bond was set at $150,000; however, the Court authorized him to post $15,000 cash (10%). Attorney Nicole Lynn King-Richardson appeared as counsel on his behalf for the Advice of Rights proceedings. No future court dates were set at this time.
As conditions of his release, McClafferty must surrender his passport, as well as his Virgin Islands and Ohio driver’s licenses. He is not permitted to leave St. Thomas without permission of the Court. He is not subject to house arrest or electronic monitoring; however, he was ordered to have no firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol abuse. During the proceeding, McClafferty stated that he has resided on St. Thomas since 2020 and has owned St. Thomas Social at Yacht Haven Grande since 2023.
The charges arise from an investigation initiated after a financial institution reported suspected fraudulent activity occurring between January and June 2024. The investigation revealed that McClafferty allegedly deposited counterfeit and fraudulent checks drawn on entities in the British Virgin Islands and issued bank drafts from a Discover account that were later returned due to stop payment requests or insufficient funds. Investigators identified at least twelve fraudulent transactions totaling approximately $888,500 conducted through business and personal accounts associated with McClafferty. Funds were allegedly withdrawn and transferred to third parties before the financial instruments were returned unpaid.
On December 30, 2025, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands Honorable Magistrate Julie S. Todman issued a warrant for McClafferty’s arrest. On February 21, 2026, the arrest warrant was executed at his residence in St. Joseph & Rosendahl by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Economic Crime Unit, Special Operations Bureau, and Criminal Investigation Bureau, with assistance from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Attorney General Rhea stated, “Financial crimes undermine trust in our banking institutions and harm our community. The Virgin Islands Department of Justice remains committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who engage in fraudulent schemes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”
As with all criminal matters, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov