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Santa Fe Police Officer Sentenced for Stealing Patrol Car Tires to Pay Debt

Investigators used GPS data, security video, plus testimony to secure a plea under Argentina’s abbreviated trial process.

Overview

  • The court approved a three-year conditional prison term, a 90,000-peso fine at the legal maximum, and perpetual disqualification from public office.
  • Judge Pablo Ruiz Staigeer issued the sentence after José Nicolás López accepted responsibility in a juicio abreviado.
  • López was expelled from the Santa Fe provincial police and admitted to peculado and estelionato committed for profit.
  • Prosecutors say the theft occurred in San Justo between December 24 and 26, with the four tires sold to cover a 400,000-peso debt.
  • The judge imposed conduct restrictions that include no contact with witnesses and a three-year prohibition on possessing or carrying firearms.