VAR boss in court on bribery charges

Director of Mason IT Wesley Mezzone pleads not guilty to eight bribery charges that total £46,614

Founder and director of reseller Mason IT, Wesley Mezzone, appeared in Hastings Magistrates court yesterday, 10 June, charged with a string of financial offences.

As reported in Brighton & Hove News, Mezzone was charged with nine counts of corruption and eight of bribery.

A representative from Hastings Magistrates court confirmed to CRN that Mezzone was charged with eight counts of bribery that totalled £46,614 between 31 August 2011 and 17 January 2013.

Mezzone's co-defendant in the case was John Reynolds. According to the Brighton & Hove News, Reynolds was charged with 41 offences between 2010 and 2013, during which time he was a network manager for East Sussex Fire and Rescue, and Mason IT was a supplier for this company.

The eight charges for Mezzone were filed as "offer/promise/give a financial/other advantage as a reward for improper performance of relevant function/activity".

Mezzone pleaded not guilty to all eight offences and will now appear at Lewes Crown Court on 9 July, along with his co-defendant. Mezzone was released on bail following his appearance at Hastings Magistrates court.

A representative from Cisco partner Mason IT said the issue was a personal matter so was not able to comment.

Mezzone did not respond to CRN's request for comment at the time of publication.