First ever corruption conviction of public official in Honduras



Dante Gabriel Ramírez Erazo, who was Director of Roads in Honduras between 1994 and 1998, was yesterday found guilty of illegal enrichment by stealing 967,892 Lempiras ($US51,000) during his two years in this office. This is the first time a public official has been found guilty of this type of offence in Honduras. He will be sentenced on February 15th. Although the sentence is from 3 to 5 years, he may be able to pay a fine instead. He also has the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court of Justice, something he may well do as he maintains his innocence. He is not in prison at the moment, but he cannot leave Honduras and he has to report to the judges on a weekly basis. Part of the prosecution case against him was his ownership of a house worth 1,350,000 Lempiras ($US72,000).

Reference

 * http://www.laprensahn.com/policiales.php?id=804&tabla=January_2005&fecha=20050118