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TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (AP) — A former official of the tourist board in the British Virgin Islands has been sentenced to prison for spending hundreds of thousands of dollars of public money on personal items.
Verna Maduro was the tourist board's financial comptroller for nearly eight years. She was charged with misappropriating public funds by using her official credit card to pay for jewelry, cruises, lingerie, clothing and other items.
Prosecutors say she stole more than $670,000.
A judge in the British territory sentenced Maduro to five years in prison Thursday. Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti also ordered her to make partial restitution.
Verna Maduro was the tourist board's financial comptroller for nearly eight years. She was charged with misappropriating public funds by using her official credit card to pay for jewelry, cruises, lingerie, clothing and other items.
Prosecutors say she stole more than $670,000.
A judge in the British territory sentenced Maduro to five years in prison Thursday. Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti also ordered her to make partial restitution.