Former Police Officer Granted Bail Pending Sentencing for Extortion Conviction

A former police officer convicted of extortion will spend tonight with his family after being granted bail pending sentencing. Jairo Daniel Amador, who was found guilty on October 31 by a jury of nine, was expecting to be sentenced today, but delays in the case allowed him to return home, at least for now.  Amador, a former police officer, was already on interdiction at the time of the offense when he was convicted of extorting a Canadian tourist at a checkpoint in Hattieville. He allegedly told the woman that her rental vehicle lacked insurance and threatened her with jail time if she did not give him, what he referred to as a ‘donation’.  The tourist, in fear, handed him one hundred US dollars, which was later found in Amador’s holster, leading to his arrest. Today’s sentencing was to include a mitigation plea, but was delayed after Amador’s attorney, Norman Rodriguez, informed the court of difficulties in contacting character witnesses. Justice Derick Sylvester, who is overseeing the case, sought input from the Crown on whether they objected to bail due to the delay. With no objection from the Crown, Amador was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety.  Amador’s case has been adjourned until January 24, 2025.  As for Amador’s conviction, it was handed down by a jury of seven women and two men after less than four hours of deliberation.