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.