Chief policy advisor sentenced to two years in prison

Judge Lydia Ravenberg on Thursday sentenced Sergio T, chief policy advisor at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, to two years in prison. The verdict was in accordance with the demand of District Attorney Bibian Tjin Liep Shie. The defendant must also pay €410; SRD 2,500; and $100. If he does not pay the money, he will spend an additional month behind bars at the state penitentiary. Even he spends an additional month in prison, he will still have to pay the fine.

Sergio T reportedly robbed hardworking sportsmen and sportswomen of their chance at success. The athletes were under huge mental pressure after their money was embezzled. DA Tjin Liep Shie pointed out that the ministry was not robbed of its money but that it reputation was tainted.

Sergio T accepted money from people with the promise of taking care of their visas and requests for naturalization. One of the victims wanted a Dutch visa for himself and his wife. He reportedly paid €235 and gave both passports to Sergio T but did not get a receipt. The man then called the suspect who told him that he could pick up the visas. But when he went to the ministry, Sergio T was not at the office. The victim became very worried when he realized that the suspect had broken his word. The judge deemed it proven that Sergio T had misappropriated the money. Sergio T used the money for personal things but did not arrange anything. Seven passports were found in the drawers of his desk. Forms for naturalization requests were found in the suspect’s office and confiscated. The judge deemed it proven that the suspect had swindled people and pointed out that the ministry had not instructed him to take care of such matters. People trusted and believed the defendant because he worked at the ministry. He had also promised Thai boxers that he would take care of his visas but he also misappropriated their money.

Defense Attorney Georgette Leter did not deem the swindling charge proven but she did deem embezzlement proven. She pointed out that the suspect had never forced or convinced anybody to hand over money. Sergio T and his relatives tried to pay back the victims. The defense attorney pointed out that the defendant spared no efforts in easing the suffering of the victims. Leter also added that “the defendant has been in jail for 5 months and that he deserves a second chance because he has learned his lesson.” The time that he has spent in jail will be deducted from his prison sentence.