Former mayor of Hettlingen denies allegations
Published: Wednesday, Mar 13th 2024, 14:30
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The former mayor of Hettlingen near Winterthur denied the accusation of theft at Zurich District Court on Wednesday. A client had given him a gift out of gratitude.
The 68-year-old is said to have committed the crimes in his capacity as a trustee. During a house search, some of the money and coins were found in his possession. "I didn't steal anything," the accused claimed in court on Wednesday.
Five kilograms of gold vreneli
The senior citizen, who has since exited her life, gave him a gift of 200,000 francs and around five to six kilograms of gold coins. This was after he had allegedly found stolen gold Vreneli rolls in her home. She was very grateful, also for the work he had done for her. She had also promised him 25 kilograms of gold.
He hid the assets in the wine cellar and in the shoe cupboard and didn't even tell his wife. He just didn't want to tell anyone about it. The former mayor denied that he had stolen 800,000 francs from his client on another occasion.
One million in aluminum foil as an "iron reserve"
A neighbor had explained in court that the senior citizen had hoarded around one million francs, the "iron reserve", wrapped in aluminum foil at home. She had been afraid of a war. The trustee estimated his client's assets at 20 to 25 million francs. She also owned four apartments.
The former FDP municipal president has also been charged with fraud in connection with a Covid loan. The prosecution is demanding a prison sentence of 4.5 years in total. The senior citizen's statements and the assets found speak against the accused.
The 68-year-old's defense lawyer, however, demanded an acquittal. The senior citizen had been very suspicious and had repeatedly accused people of stealing her money. At best, the court should impose a fine for an offense in connection with the Covid loan. The trial will continue in the afternoon.
©Keystone/SDA
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