Son of Supreme Court judge arrested on weapons charges

A  son of Supreme Court judge Cecilio Cedalise was arrested by National Police (PN)  agents on Wednesday, December 4    carrying an unlicensed pistol an offense that could carry an 8-10 year jail sentence.

According to preliminary reports, Cedalise’s son was apprehended for showing a suspicious attitude and after a review it was found that he was carrying a firearm.

The magistrate’s son who reportedly wanted to jump the line in a tax office and was stopped by a Municipal Police officer allegedly threatened another individual, claiming he had a firearm and could use it. Some citizens alerted the National Police.

The agents intercepted the vehicle in which the magistrate’s son was traveling and found a 9 mm pistol and ammunition. Judge Cedalise’s son did not have the required permits.

There is a possibility that he will be presented before a judge of guarantees in the accusatory criminal system in West Panama.

After it was announced that Cedalise would be a magistrate of the Supreme Court, he was criticized because through social networks in December 2015 photos of one of his children showing a firearm appeared on social networks.

During the National Assembly Credentials Committee interviews, Cedalise was questioned about the photos and replied that he had tried to be the best father.

According to the article. 333 of the Criminal Code, a person who possesses a firearm without proper authorization will be punished with eight to ten years in prison.