El Salvador top court OKs civil trial for its former chief

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – El Salvador’s Supreme Court has ordered a civil trial of the body’s former president on suspicion of illicit enrichment.

Tuesday’s ruling comes in the case of Agustin Garcia Calderon, who was Supreme Court chief magistrate from 2000 to 2009. He is alleged to have been unable to justify the origin of some $165,000 in personal accounts.

Garcia Calderon has not made public statements about his case. If he were to lose in the civil trial, he would not face any criminal penalty. But he could be ordered to forfeit the money and be barred from holding public office for 10 years.

In the past, the court has ordered similar civil proceeding against officials including former presidents Mauricio Funes and Tony Saca for suspected illicit enrichment.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles