Friend of Imelda Marcos Pleads Guilty to Charge She Fled Trial
A close friend of Imelda Marcos pleaded guilty Friday to a charge that she failed to appear as a witness in the failed racketeering case against the former Philippine first lady.
Gliceria Tantoco, 67, who now lives in Morocco, admitted trying to flee Italy, which had agreed to extradite her to the United States.
Although the charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, it is unlikely she will get more than a seven-month sentence because of federal sentencing guidelines.
Tantoco, her husband and son had originally been indicted with ousted Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos and his wife in 1987. The Tantocos were accused of helping the Marcoses conceal their ownership of property and art that had been purchased with funds allegedly stolen from the Philippines.
As part of Friday’s plea agreement, the indictment against the three Tantocos was dropped and Mrs. Tantoco admitted to the lesser charge.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
