Mother of fugitive ex-Boynton Beach cop pleads not guilty to charges - Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
BOYNTON BEACH — The mother of former Boynton Beach officer-turned-fugitive David Britto pleaded not guilty in court today to allegations that she helped her son skip bail.
Janiber Andrade Vieira, 51, went before Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres in Miami today for her arraignment. She is charged with contempt of court, giving a false statement and conspiracy to fail to appear before a court as required by the conditions of release. She could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the contempt of court charges.
In addition to entering a not guilty plea, Vieira requested her case be transferred to the same judge handling her son's federal drug case, according to a motion filed by Vieira's counsel.
Vieira has been in federal custody since Sept. 2, when she was arrested at New York's JFK International Airport attempting to board a plane for Sao Paulo, Brazil - allegedly to meet up with her son.
In the initial criminal complaint, filed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on the day of her arrest, authorities said Vieira "knowingly and willfully" lied to federal agents about her son's whereabouts after he removed his ankle monitor, skipped bail and boarded a plane headed for Brazil on Aug. 24.
After Britto disappeared, DEA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents learned that Vieira bought a one-way ticket to Brasilia, Brazil, for him on Aug. 23, the complaint stated.
When Britto failed to appear in court on Sept. 13 for his trial on drug charges in Miami, a federal judge issued a bench warrant for him, which essentially orders law enforcement to arrest him immediately on sight.
The 28-year-old Britto - the Boynton Beach Police Department's 2010 Officer of the Year - was initially arrested on July 1 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges on July 18, and was freed on $100,000 bond which Vieira helped secure.
30 Sep, 2011--
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