Former hospital morgue manager gets two years for Rp 815m scam

JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta District Court sentenced on Tuesday a former manager of Husada Hospital's morgue to two years in jail for swindling Rp 815 million (US$90,555) in donations.

Presiding Judge Rusdi As'ad said in his verdict that Agus Santosa, 50, was guilty of embezzling funds donated by several social foundations and coffin producers to the hospital on Jl. Mangga Besar in Central Jakarta.

The malfeasance was committed from 1993 to 1996.

"The money was spent for the defendant's own interest, such as traveling overseas and pleasure activities," the judge said.

Rusdi said Agus, appointed to manage the morgue in 1983, asked a hospital employee, Suwito, to obtain a license from the city's social service office to collect donations in August 1993.

With the permit, Agus sought contributions from nine benefactors, including Naga Sakti, Elit and Jaya foundations, he said.

Agus also illegally used the hospital's letterhead and official stamp to persuade the foundations to make donations, which were deposited in his personal account at Bank Bumi Artha, Rusdi added.

He explained that Agus was guilty of violating Article 266 on counterfeiting documents and Article 374 of the Criminal Code for swindling.

They carry maximum jail sentences of seven years and five years respectively.

Prosecutor Teuku Syahrul earlier asked the court for a four- year sentence. Syahrul is considering whether to appeal.

Agus' lawyer John Walleri said his client would appeal. "It's unfair. We will describe who received the money in our appeal statement."

Agus' wife burst into tears after hearing the verdict. Several Husada employees attended the session. (jun)