Philipsburg: --- Independent Island Council member and non active commissioner Louie Laveist leave the court of first instance this morning (Tuesday) a sad and disappointed man after hearing the judge pronounce the verdict in his case which was tried on April 8th.
Accompanied by his wife Betty Laveist, his sisters and well known sports man Hamilton Richardson, Laveist and his lawyer Remko Stomp immediately appealed the verdict.
Judge Rick Smid found Laveist guilty on all charges which included forgery, fraud, bribery and the hiring of an illegal.
The court found proven that Laveist forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22, 750. It also found proven that Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10, 000 as he had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new government administration building.
Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barber shop belonging to his sister.
He has been condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist must pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.
In the ruling the judge said the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge Smid felt the suspect (Laveist) has misused the power granted to him for personal gain which made him guilty of corruption. "Corruption harms each ones lives or means of maintaining themselves and happiness whose livelihood is dependent on people who holds power and authority. Corruption by leaders such as the suspect can seriously damage a country and or government unit" the verdict reads. 
The judge felt that Laveist did not give any indication that he had any insight into the objectable nature of his actions neither did he shows any type of remorse during his trial.
The only thing the judge found in Laveist favor was that he was never convicted of any crimes before.
The verdict granted by the courts came as a shock to several persons including lawyers since the prosecution had only requested 24 months imprisonment. Several persons felt that the verdict will now set a dangerous precedent on everyone. One legal mind said that the prosecutor office can now prosecute anyone if they feel like and those holding public office should begin to look out.
Attorney at law Remko Stomp said his client was looking for justice but that was not granted to him. Stomp said his client plans to take the case to the highest court where more than one judge would look at the evidence presented to them.
Stomp said the prosecution was looking for a conviction and even though they spoke of millions of dollars in off shore accounts they could not prove it.
Relatives and friends of Laveist were obviously nervous and angry as they leave the court house. One person with Laveist insulted reporters who were trying to get a statement from the embattled commissioner. This resulted in an argument between photo-journalist Gromyko Wilson who said that reporters should be allowed to carry out their duties. One member of the Laveist supporters reacted to statements made by Wilson which created a fracas close to Holland House where the family was meeting.
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