Ex-regent faces graft charge

Ex-regent faces graft charge

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Former Maros regent, identified
only as NA by Antara, could face a life sentence for allegedly
misusing Rp 1.4 billion (US$187,000) in state funds.

The deputy head of the provincial prosecutor's office,
Mangellai, said the former regent had embezzled funds for public
works projects, including the construction of his own office.

He also allegedly forced prospective haj pilgrims to pay
additional costs before they could depart to the holy land in
Saudi Arabia.

The prosecutor's office has seized his mansion worth more than
Rp 1 billion, a Pajero jeep and his bank savings worth tens of
million rupiah.

"We will deliver his dossier to the court soon," said Rasyid,
the prosecutor's office's spokesman. (prb)