Prosecutors will try yet again to get former lawmaker, Jorge Angulo to face corruption charges

Lawmaker Jorge Angulo faces 19 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

May 28^th, 2015 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rica’s Attorney General’s office is once again attempting to get former PLN lawmaker Jorge Angulo into a courtroom to face corruption charges in a motion filed earlier this month.

Angulo’s trial has been delayed at least five times since July 2013, most recently in December of last year due to alleged heart trouble.  The latest motion for a trial was submitted on May 16th, though a court date has yet to be set.

The former lawmaker is facing eight criminal charges including influence peddling, extortion, and corruption.

The charges against Angulo stem from charges that were filed in mid-2011, accusing Angulo of influence peddling, corruption, extortion and other crimes in relation to his alleged interference with the Regional Development Board of the Southern Zone (Judesur), which administers the Golfito free trade zone.

Angulo is accused of charging a construction company a ¢10 million (~$20,000 USD) kickback for each contract awarded to the firm by Judesur, which prosecutors said, “acted under the influence of Angulo.”  At least 11 other individuals are also facing charges related to the case, including charges of racketeering, extortion, fraud, and embezzlement, amongst others.

In addition, Angulo is accused of extorting money from a company that built a high school in San Vito, Coto Brus, as well as running up a bill of nearly $2,000 for lodging and meals at a hotel in Golfito and charging it to Judesur.

If convicted on all charges, Angulo could face up to 19 years behind bars.