The criminal court in French Polynesia has banned the mayor of Rangiroa from holding an office for a year as part of a sentence for corruption.
Teina Maraeura was found guilty of abusing public funds and given a four-month suspended prison sentence as well as aUS$ 3,500 fine.
The court acquitted him of the charge of using council staff to help build his wife's shop.
The conviction is expected to be appealed.
Maraeura was a government minister ten years ago and later became the head of French Polynesia's agency in charge of outer island development.
However, he quit his post after being questioned for alleged corruption.
Rangiroa's Mayor Teina Maraeura with the then Minister of Overseas Territories Brigitte Girardin in 2002. Photo: AFP
