Posted: Friday, January 24, 2025. 6:14 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Former police officer Jairo Daniel Amador, convicted of extorting $100 USD from a Canadian woman in 2022, avoided additional jail time on Friday after being sentenced to 45 days imprisonment, deemed time served, by Justice Derick Sylvester in the High Court. Amador was also fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $100 USD in compensation to the victim within 12 months or face further imprisonment.
Amador, the first person to benefit from new sentencing guidelines, faced a possible three-year prison term for extortion. However, Justice Sylvester reduced the sentence, considering mitigating factors such as Amador’s status as a first-time offender, the two-year delay in his trial, and his apparent potential for rehabilitation.
The extortion incident occurred on October 1, 2022, at a checkpoint in Hattieville. The Canadian woman, traveling with her husband, was pulled aside and told she could face jail time for driving without insurance. The officer demanded a “donation,” prompting the terrified woman to hand over $100 USD. Her husband, prevented from entering the booth, later reported the matter to authorities.
When confronted, Amador initially denied taking the money, claiming he found it near a post. However, the $100 USD note was discovered hidden in his gun holster, and he later admitted to receiving the money from the couple.
During sentencing, Justice Sylvester acknowledged Amador’s remorse, family responsibilities, and positive character references. While Amador has regained his freedom, his conviction cost him his position in the Belize Police Department. He must now pay his fine and compensation to the victim, or risk further jail time.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments