Archive - September 6, 2011

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RPCV found guilty on drug charges
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Tony D'Souza novel picked by influential Gawker Guide

RPCV found guilty on drug charges

Posted: Friday, September 02, 2011 – By Tico Times Nicaragua locks up U.S. citizen on narco charges. But his friends and family keep asking: Where’s the evidence? A Nicaraguan court on Monday convicted former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer and RE/MAX real estate franchise owner Jason Puracal, 34, of drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime. He could face up to 30 years in prison in a trial that has been highly questioned by family members, local media and other observers. Puracal, a native of Washington State, in the U.S., was among 11 people arrested Nov. 11 on drug conspiracy charges (TT, Dec. 17, 2010). Puracal maintains his innocence and said he doesn’t know any of the Nicaraguan suspects in the case. Prosecutors alleged he was involved in “national and international transactions using a great amount of money without justification to buy and sell property, especially in the departments of Rivas . . .

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Tony D'Souza novel picked by influential Gawker Guide

The Gawker Guide to Fall Books has selected Mule: A Novel of Moving Weight by Tony D’Souza (Ivory Coast 2000-02; Madagascar 2002-03)  as one of their top fall books. The book is being published this month. Gawker writes: What It Is: The recession leads a young California couple with a baby on the way to turn to cross-country marijuana-running in order to make some quick cash. On the trip from Cali to Florida (which has a marijuana shortage?) a kidnapping, a shootout, and other business risks occur. Themes: America is broken, danger, risk, “zeitgeist-capturing.” Should You Bother?: Yes, because this book shows how “respectable” people can and do turn to crime in times of desperation. Buy it for your relative who blames drug dealing on the Poors.

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