Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2024. 5:40 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Interdicted police officer Jairo Daniel Amador, who was convicted of extortion by a jury on October 31, 2024, is back home ]after being granted bail pending sentencing. Justice Derick Sylvester offered Amador bail in the sum of $5,000 with one surety following a delay in his scheduled sentencing hearing earlier today.
Amador’s attorney, Norman Rodriguez, cited challenges in coordinating character witnesses for the mitigation plea, prompting Justice Sylvester to seek input from the Crown. With no objections to bail, the judge ruled in Amador’s favor, emphasizing that the delay was not his fault. The mitigation hearing and sentencing have been rescheduled for January 24, 2025.
Amador, a former member of the Belize Police Department who had been on interdiction, was found guilty of extortion after a trial by a jury of seven women and two men. The incident occurred at a checkpoint in Hattieville, where Amador allegedly coerced a Canadian tourist into giving him $100 USD. He falsely claimed the rental vehicle she was driving lacked insurance and threatened jail time until court resumed on Monday. Fearing imprisonment, the tourist complied.
Shortly after the encounter, authorities were notified, leading to the discovery of the cash inside Amador’s holster. This evidence formed the basis of his prosecution.
Amador had been on remand since his conviction after his previous bail was revoked. If sentenced, extortion penalties could include a fine or imprisonment, with sentencing guidelines to be determined during the upcoming hearing.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Convicted officer Jairo Amador released on bail pending sentencing appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2024. 5:40 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: Interdicted police officer Jairo Daniel Amador, who was convicted of extortion by a
The post Convicted officer Jairo Amador released on bail pending sentencing appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.