BRIEFS. crime

Authorities seize goods from defendant

Authorities seized goods valued at more than $3,000 Thursday from the home of one of the defendants charged with embezzling money from the Fondo de Equidad y Calidad de la Educación last year in San Miguelito.

According to judicial sources, the seized property included air conditioners, a refrigerator, a washing machine and other equipment. The location of the raid and the name of the person involved were not released by authorities.

Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that the goods were allegedly purchased with money from the education fund.

According to prosecutor Mercedes de León, who is handling the case, more than $1.5 million was stolen from the fund, which is used to renovate schools.

Police charged 22 people in the case, seven of which are in custody.

It was not clear if the person whose residence was raided Thursday is one of the defendants currently in custody.