After years of delays and postponements, a Costa Rica criminal court has once again set a new trial date – this time in January 2017 – for former PLN lawmaker Jorge Angulo, who faces eight criminal charges including influence peddling, extortion, and corruption.

Angulo’s trial has been delayed at least six times since July 2013, most recently in December 2014 due to alleged heart trouble.  Prosecutors submitted the latest motion for a trial on May 16^th of last year, to which the Supreme Court of Justice responded this week by scheduling the opening of the trial for January of next year.

The charges against Angulo stem from charges that were filed in mid-2011, accusing Angulo of influence peddling, corruption, extortion and other crimes in relation to his alleged interference with the Regional Development Board of the Southern Zone (Judesur), which administers the Golfito free trade zone.

Angulo is accused of charging a construction company a ¢10 million (~$20,000 USD) kickback for each contract awarded to the firm by Judesur, which prosecutors said, “acted under the influence of Angulo.”  At least 11 other individuals are also facing charges related to the case, including charges of racketeering, extortion, fraud, and embezzlement, amongst others.

In addition, Angulo is accused of extorting money from a company that built a high school in San Vito, Coto Brus, as well as running up a bill of nearly $2,000 for lodging and meals at a hotel in Golfito and charging it to Judesur.

If convicted on all charges, Angulo could face up to 19 years behind bars.