By Belize Live News Staff: Jairo Amador, a police officer convicted of extortion on October 31st, is spending the holidays at home with his family after being granted bail pending sentencing. Amador was found guilty by a jury for extorting $100 from a Canadian tourist at a checkpoint in Hattieville.
According to reports, Amador told the tourist she lacked insurance for her rental vehicle and would need to go to jail until Monday since it was a weekend. Fearing the consequences, she gave him $100 in response to his demand for a “donation.”
In court on Wednesday morning, there was a delay in the sentencing proceedings. During the mitigation plea, Amador’s attorney, Norman Rodriguez, highlighted difficulties in reaching character witnesses. With no objection from the Crown, Justice Derick Sylvester granted bail in the sum of $5,000 along with one surety.
The case has been adjourned to January 24th, when sentencing is expected to take place.
