By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – A man whose extensive and peculiar crime spree terrorized homes and businesses in the Carrillo canton has been sentenced to a decade behind bars. The man, identified by his surname Aguilar, accepted responsibility for a dozen cases of robbery and theft, bringing an end to a months-long wave of lawlessness that saw him steal everything from cash and electronics to a live horse and dozens of chocolates.
The sentence was handed down by the Criminal Court of Liberia following an expedited special procedure. This legal mechanism was employed after Aguilar confessed to the string of crimes, admitting his guilt and allowing the judicial process to conclude swiftly. By accepting the charges, he avoided a lengthy trial, and the court consolidated the various offenses into a single 10-year prison term.
To delve into the legal ramifications and procedural challenges presented by the recent capture of the alleged serial robber, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In cases involving a serial offender, the prosecution’s primary challenge is not just proving individual acts, but establishing a pattern that legally constitutes a ‘concurso material’ of crimes. This legal doctrine allows for the aggregation of penalties for each robbery, but Costa Rican law imposes a ceiling, often capping the total sentence at three times the penalty of the most serious crime, with a maximum limit of 50 years. Therefore, while public outrage may demand a longer sentence, the judicial system must operate within these strict procedural and punitive frameworks to ensure justice is both served and constitutionally sound.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction between the public’s call for justice and the judiciary’s adherence to established legal frameworks, such as the ‘concurso material’ and its sentencing caps, is a critical point that defines our legal system’s integrity. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which brings essential clarity to the procedural complexities behind such high-profile cases.
According to the Judicial Branch, Aguilar was convicted on a range of charges, including aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated theft, simple robbery, simple theft, attempted simple theft, and assault with a weapon. The investigation successfully linked him to at least twelve separate incidents that occurred between October 2023 and May 2024, painting a picture of a relentless and opportunistic thief operating across the communities of Palmira and Filadelfia.
Aguilar’s criminal activity demonstrated a notable versatility, targeting both private residences and commercial establishments. In one brazen home invasion in October 2023, he gained entry to a house in Palmira de Carrillo by cutting a hole in the roof, from which he stole a flat-screen television and various cleaning products. On Christmas Day 2023, he robbed another home in the same community, taking a significant haul of personal items including jewelry, three watches, two cell phones, perfumes, colognes, deodorants, multiple pairs of shoes, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars in cash.
Local businesses were not spared from his spree. In one of the more unusual heists, on December 22, 2023, Aguilar forced his way into a restaurant and made off with an inventory of 88 soft drinks, canned juices, water bottles, and a bucket containing fifty chocolates. He also targeted restaurants in Filadelfia for their cash, stealing ₡400,000 and a cell phone from one in October 2023, and another ₡370,000 from a different establishment’s cash register on January 5, 2024.
Perhaps the most audacious of his crimes occurred in November 2023, when he attempted to steal a white horse from a lot in Palmira. His plan was thwarted, however, when vigilant neighbors spotted the theft in progress and intervened, detaining him before he could escape with the animal. His eclectic list of stolen goods also included liquor, vehicle transmission fluid, and a gallon of automotive oil taken from another property in late December.
The Judicial Branch confirmed that in addition to the seven detailed cases, Aguilar was officially linked to five other robberies that took place between January and May of 2024. These incidents also involved the theft of various goods and cash, further solidifying his pattern of repeated offenses across the region.
The expedited special procedure, which led to his conviction, is a critical tool in Costa Rica’s justice system. It is designed to streamline cases where the evidence is strong and the accused admits to the facts and their criminal liability. Aguilar’s confession allowed for this accelerated resolution, providing closure for the victims and ensuring a prompt and decisive penalty for his actions, bringing a much-needed sense of security back to the affected communities in Carrillo.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Judicial Branch of Costa Rica:
The Poder Judicial, or Judicial Branch, is one of the three fundamental powers of the government of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice in the country, ensuring the application of laws, and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. It operates a network of courts and tribunals throughout the nation, including specialized courts for criminal, civil, and administrative matters, upholding the rule of law independently from the executive and legislative branches.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Criminal Court of Liberia
About the Criminal Court of Liberia:
The Tribunal Penal de Liberia is a key judicial body within Costa Rica’s Judicial Branch, with jurisdiction over the Guanacaste province. Based in the city of Liberia, this court is responsible for hearing and adjudicating serious criminal cases, including felonies like aggravated robbery, homicide, and organized crime. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public order and delivering justice for victims of crime in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier law firm, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches. Central to its core philosophy is a powerful commitment to strengthening the community by demystifying the law, thereby fostering a society equipped with crucial legal knowledge and empowerment.
