Laveist in Court Today.

Philipsburg:---Former Democratic Party Commissioner and island councilmember Louis Laveist is scheduled to appear in joint court of appeal on Thursday morning. Laviest was charged with bribery, forgery and forging of documents relating to work permits. Laveist was convicted on April 28 last year on all counts. Judge Rick Smid convicted Laviest on all charges and banned him from public office for five years.
The court found it proven that Laveist forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22, 750. It was 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 barbershop belonging to his sister.
Laveist was 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. Judge Smid concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent manner 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.
Laveist is represented by attorney at law Ralph Richardson who is currently on sick leave. SMN News learnt that Attorney at law and former prosecutor Cor Merx will be representing Laveist in the absence of Richardson.

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8 Comments



juice and milk January, 27, 2010, 18:13 200.7.59.50 Votes: +0	William will bring Juice and milk for you Lulu, or maybe the fransman. report abuse vote down vote up


done deal January, 27, 2010, 18:23 200.7.54.143 Votes: +0	I guess certain arrangements will be made to somehow let him off with a slap on the wrist. Not that I do not believe in the Justice system and I am sure he will be found guilty but if a Murderer, who gets "harsh sentences" could be free in a few measly years, what sentence do you think he will get? Yeah, I think I should go into politics, the job of milk and honey. report abuse vote down vote up


KEEP IT UP January, 27, 2010, 18:30 200.7.57.233 Votes: +1	WELL WELL YOU ALL SEE WHY THE CRIME IS SO HIGH IN ST MAARTEN YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH MURDER.NEXT WEEK I AM GOING TO DO THE SAME BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET NOTHING ANY HOW. WHEN THESE THUGS SEE THIS SYSTYM THEY AIN'T AFRAID TO DO ANY THING. THE SYSTYM FEEL THE THE PUBLIC AGAIN . report abuse vote down vote up


The deal is ..... January, 28, 2010, 05:04 72.252.10.197 Votes: +0	I understood he'll be sentenced mildly and is allowed to serve his sentence after the next elections so he can keep the present government intact. This can be arranged by saying the prison is presently full to capacity. As a bonus they'll appoint one of his people as one of the 2 new to be made available commisioners post in February as stated by Mr Wiliam Marlin and they'll get the labor portfolio so he can rake in some funds before he go sit. The man might be greedy but he ain't dumb or is he? report abuse vote down vote up


RESPECT January, 28, 2010, 07:29 72.252.11.34 Votes: +0	People, get your act together, RESPECT the man. Maria and others have committed nepotism to the highest degree, yet we condemn Louis. Start to RESPECT your own. I will vote Louis any day. Some politicians were elected as poor citizens, today their children are in the most expensive private schools and are miljionaires today. Please did LOUIS enrich himself, perhaps he is guilty of a sloppy administration. I saw him driving a beaten up car the other day. LOUIS is the same old LOUIS. RESPECT brother report abuse vote down vote up


To Respect January, 28, 2010, 10:08 190.185.63.254 Votes: +0	RESPECT must be earned my friend. Please list any real accompishments of the man known as "envelope man". And don't come with an increase of the minimum wage, that was not his accomplishment but Parliaments. In fact, under LouLou's "leadership" his portfolio was mismanagement to the point where we as tax payers are paying for his F-ups. Remember the New G'ment Building? Tax payers are paying the loans while the present G'ment is still renting office space at their current location. He was probably too busy up in Canada, receiving perks from suppliers, to properly manage the project. Great job LouLou! Not to speak about the labor portfolio. Come on man, stop being so naive. The man lacks all skills required to be a commissioner (and that goes for probably 95% of Island Council by the way). report abuse vote down vote up


to the person who answer respect January, 28, 2010, 23:23 72.252.9.50 Votes: +0	You are the biggist fool I believe you went scholl of Jackasioligy. Go see if you could acomplish one thin he did in you sicking life report abuse vote down vote up


To illiterate January, 29, 2010, 02:45 190.185.63.254 Votes: +0	"Biggist, scholl, acomplish, thin" Wow, you managed 4 spelling mistakes in just 2 simple sentences. Maybe you should go back and finish primary school after all. report abuse vote down vote up

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