Aruba prosecutors have requested 100 hours of community service in the criminal case against former Coast Guard member Elton Flanegin, according to a September 20 report by English-language outlet 24ora.
The request followed an investigation that began nearly three years ago. Flanegin rejected an earlier plea proposal, maintained that he is innocent and chose to have the allegations considered by a judge.
Charges discussed in court
The prosecution alleged that Flanegin attempted to take a boat engine from Coast Guard property in March 2023. The engine did not leave the premises, and Flanegin told the court that he had moved it from an area holding confiscated materials to a training boat before returning it on a supervisor’s instruction.
Another charge concerned flares and ammunition. Flanegin said the flares were no longer usable and that he had been directed to destroy and discard them, but instead kept them in his locker. The prosecutor ultimately asked the court to acquit him on that charge.
A further allegation concerned protected conch in Aruba’s territorial waters. Prosecutors argued that messages found on Flanegin’s phone supported an accusation that he provided information or assistance connected to catching and purchasing conch.
Flanegin denies wrongdoing
Flanegin disputed the allegations and described the case as a misunderstanding. On the conch-related allegation, he said a reference to “cocolishi” had been translated incorrectly in an official police report.
The former Coast Guard member told the court that he had explanations for the messages found on his phone and that he had not committed an offence. He no longer works for the Coast Guard.
The prosecution asked for a finding of attempted theft in relation to the engine and argued that there was sufficient evidence on the conch allegation. Its request for 100 hours of community service is a sentencing position, not a final court judgment.
Source: English 24ora.
