7 News Belize

Will Rawell Remain on FFB Executive?
posted (April 9, 2015)
Last night we told you about Rawell Pelayo's plea bargain in a New York Southern District Courtroom. On June 30, 2014, he pleaded guilty to "conspiring to violate the narcotics laws of the United States."

In October of 2014, he was given a two-year sentence and then deported to Belize earlier this week. He cannot return to the United States but he took his plea and spent 21 months in custody.

Here in Belize he faces no charge - but does have to check in with police weekly as is standard for deportees. His still holds his seat on the FFB which was supported by a four to three vote of the Football Congress, which is the highest decision making authority in the Federation. But, there is some question now as to whether Pelayo will be able to hold on to seat now that it is known that he pleaded guilty to narcotics smuggling.

We could not reach President Ruperto Vicente for comment - but sources in the Federation tell us that they were under the impression that Pelayo's attorney had gotten him off because the charges could not stick.

But as we've shown you - he told a US Judge that he went to a meeting in Cancun where his role was to introduce a drug buyer to a potential dealer.

The indictment said they conspired to smuggle half a kilo of cocaine to New York. The two men are Riquelio "Kike" Arias and Jesus Cotrina-Castillo. The person prosing as the buyer of the cocaine was a confidential informant for the US government.

So, now that it is known that Pelayo confessed to setting up, but not profiting from, a drug deal in Cancun - some in the FFB Executive say that his continued senior role in the Federation is up for review. We'll keep seeking out the President Ruperto Vicente for comment.

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