"The U.S. Department of Justice this week issued a federal warrant for the arrest and extradition of fugitive St. Thomas real estate broker..."

She fled to Venezuela via Cuba ... or lost all her money in high-stakes poker tournaments … or she’s living a posh life under federal witness protection, and the feds will soon fix this whole sordid mess.

That’s just a taste—hors d'oeuvres, if you will—of a juicy feast of rumors tempting St. Thomians in the wake of the sudden disappearance of St. Thomas real estate broker and businesswoman Rosemary Sauter.

The truth, however, has yet to even be sketched by law enforcement officials now on the lookout for Sauter ever since she vanished early last week.

Once the headquarters of the largest real estate brokerage on St. Thomas, the doors to RE/MAX Dream Properties in Lockhart Gardens were closed and locked Friday, sealed with bright yellow police tape that read, “Crime Scene. Do Not Cross.”

osemary Sauter-Frett, the owner of the brokerage, is being hunted by local authorities, and if she has fled the territory could be the target of the FBI.

I have no idea about what is happening - the St. Thomas Source has more, but details at this point are sketchy.

Greetings from St. Croix! A great article about our island was a feature story in the October 2009 issue of Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine. If you missed it, check it out and I was quoted with a sidebar editorial shown below:

"FOR SALE" SIGNS Think Caribbean homeownership is only for Ponzi schemers and James Bond villains? Well think again. The dream of buying a residence in the United States Virgin Islands can be surprisingly attainable, with familiar tax laws and real estate practices defining the process and the good ol' American dollar making it happen. "And anyone searching for the Virgin Islands' biggest bang for the buck need look no farther than St. Croix," says veteran agent David Fedeles of Farchette & Hanley Real Estate, in Christiansted. With a median home price hovering around the $600,000 mark ($229,000 for condos) and no shortage of available properties, thanks to our lingering economic blahs, th e island is ripe for bargain hunting. We found a furnished, two-bedroom, two-bath Teague Bay home on the island's eastern tip priced at $639,000 (Ed. Note: now Sold!) and boasting a heated pool, a full acre of land, and a glorious view of Buck Island to the north. And three miles west of Christiansted on Pelican Cove beach, $249,500 buys a furnished two-bedroom condo with resort-style amenities and an ocean view (also Sold!)." Let's hope I get some inquiries and can 'stir up some action' from the stateside economic doldrums which impact St. Croix as well. Also newsworthy...

Williams and Punch Clears another Hurdle
The Coastal Zone Management Commission gave permission for the developers to extend the beach at their proposed 378-room resort and casino north of Frederiksted. The developers noted this is a key component of their proposed development because the area became much rockier after Hurricane Lenny blew in from the southwest in 1999 and removed much of the sand there. Spokesmen for the project noted that the beach restoration project brings back the beach for recreation and also makes the area more conducive to turtle nesting, all with minimal effect on the environment. The developers are now working wit h the Army Corps of Engineers to get their permit as well as a land swap agreement with the VI Government to relocate the road inland and away from the shoreline which will need legislative approval as well.

Diageo Distillery Making Progress!
St. Croix welcomes the liquor industry giant Diageo which is building a state-of-the-art Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on 26 acres of land at the St. Croix Renaissance Group. This eco-friendly distillery will provide between 200and 300 temporary jobs. It is scheduled to open in 2011 and approximately 40 to 70 permanent jobs will then be created.

More of the back story here: http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2009/07/16/marshals-auctioning-st-thomas-house-connected-48-million-theft

"I'm shocked," said Chris Elliot, board member and part owner of the proposed development, after the commission denied on a 1-2 vote the request to add 40 feet to the seaward side of the beach. "That was the critical part."

More from the St. Thomas Source.

"Taxpayers who have already negotiated the incorrect refund check are urged to contact the Bureau immediately to make arrangements to repay any overpayment. Those taxpayers who may have already cashed a check for an amount less than was owed are also asked to contact the Bureau for additional instructions," said BIR Director Claudette Watson-Anderson.

The Bureau's staff is available to address both taxpayer situations on a priority basis. Questions should be directed to the Bureau's Processing Branch at (340) 715-1040, ext. 4221 on St. Croix, ext. 2257 on St. Thomas and 777-1446 on St. John.

SUMMER IN ST. CROIX! It's a great time to relax, take a breather, and enjoy the slower pace of summer. It kicks off w/ a BANG w/ the ST. CROIX HALF IRONMAN TRIATHLON 70.3 on the first Sunday in May. And here I am "Jumping Up" with Tim O'Donnell at our festive 'street fair' teeming with local vendors and entertainment on Friday evening before the race. Tim became the Men's Champion two days later after several previous attempts, which placed him near the top in close races...and this year he also broke the course record. Congratulations TIM and Catriona Morrison of Scotland who was the Women's Champ! At sunrise on Sunday, participants took to the harbor for the first phase of this race for a 1.24 mile swim followed by a 56 mile bike race ar ound the island and up the famous .7 mile hill called "The Beast" which starts at a 14% grade to a grueling 21% grade. The last phase of the race is a 13.1-mile run....a great event for the athletes and the island!

Robin Bay Resort Update On April 22 the Department of Planning and Natural Resources' Costal Zone Management (CZM) staff and committee listened to public testimony on the development of the Robin's Bay Resort and Casino located on St. Croix's southeast shore. The resort is comprised of an 870-room resort, including 746 residential condos, villas, single-family homes, and 56 time-share villas. Additionally, there will be swimming pools, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, restaurants and a casino. By the end of May a decision on permitting will be announced by CZM.

Governor Sets 2006 Property Tax Deadline Governor DeJongh Jr. issued an executive order at presstime stating that 2006 property tax bills are due on July 1 - even though no court has given the V.I. Government permission to issue the bills. According to the executive order, 2006 property tax bills must be paid by July 31 or they will be considered delinquent; the deadline for appeals of bills is August 14. Three years of property taxes have gone uncollected because the Territory's property tax system has been tied up in litigation. The Governor has received assurances from the Tax Assessor's office that the bills could be issued in light of the huge budget shortfall that we are experiencing...pay those bills!

Virgin Islands Farmers' Cooperative The V.I. Farmers Cooperative is a group of local farmers in St. Croix and St. Thomas whose goal is to build and promote the agriculture industry in the Virgin Islands and to increase the availability of high-quality locally grown food and food products. The Cooperative's new Farmers' Market is located across from the Sports and Fitness Center and is open on Saturdays. Eventually the market will be open six days a week. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables of all varieties and types are offered for sale; St. Croix truly is 'going back to its roots' as the "bread-basket island."

SOME NEW LISTINGS AND UPDATES

Looking for a home with a Grande View? An elegant three bedroom, 3.5 bath home with gracious living areas, cypress ceiling, central air, hot tub and infinity pool with swim jet at gated Hibiscus Point in Carambola... realistically priced asking $1,095,000.

How about a Million Dollar View? A sumptuous home with three large suites in South Grapetree with tiled pool, apt. and covered gazebo...mesmerizing views of both North and South shores even Buck Island, fairly listed for $895,000.

Looking for Paradise? "Coyaba" is exactly what that means! Enjoy the unobstructed panoramic views of Buck Island from this charming 2-bedroom en-suite home with heated pool, also a very popular rental home. Listed below seller cost at $639,000.

Need Lots of Space with a View? Enjoy the wonderful breezes in this custom built three bedroom 3 bath home with a separate apartment and two room office, each with separate entrances on lower level...even a jacuzzi! Asking $439,000.

Searching for a Seaside Hotel? Ready for that "island dream"? The Waves at Cane Bay is a fabulous waterfront hotel located directly over the ocean, twelve suites all with balconies and great ocean views! Relax in the unique grotto pool sipping cocktails & watching the sunset...offering dinner 7 nights and even weekend brunch! $2,050,000 fully-equipped.

Developers take note! Cane Bay Plantation is a premiere hotel and development site at one of the best dive sites on the island site... reduced in price nearly half! This property features 25+ acres of build-able land Zoned R3 for condo, hotel or resort with over 440 feet of sandy beachfront, great house and hotel ruins. NOW $1,495,000... SELLER WANTS OFFERS!

Love a luxury condo? CARDEN BEACH for the ultimate in luxury and exclusively listed, final phase of brand-new Building 3 w/ three different floor plans and top-of-the-line finishes, prices starting at $845,000 with four already sold! Also included are 12 freestanding private villas (two sold!) w/ your choice of floor plans and building site; enjoy the best of waterfront living... call me for a private tour! Also at Carden Beach, we have a beautiful 2-bedroom top floor walk-in unit in Building 1 (Unit 522) overlooking pool, sundeck and Buck Island, asking $645,000.

Seeking sand in your toes? WALK TO SHOYS BEACH! Enjoy this custom-built, 3 bedroom 3 bath home with pool and all amenities in the beautiful gated community of Shoys w/ pool, large generator, even a well, now reduced to $1,195,000 fully furnished! Now priced to sell in today's market!