Mexico City — Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, the former director of state oil company Pemex, was arrested Tuesday evening in Mexico City on domestic violence charges filed by his wife, academic María Felicia Jiménez.
Rodríguez was taken into custody at 5:32 p.m. local time on Monte Albán Street in the Narvarte neighborhood, according to the National Detention Registry. His status was listed as “in transit” after being apprehended by ministerial police.
The arrest came days after Jiménez filed a complaint with the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office for family violence. She had previously released videos documenting the alleged assaults.
According to Jiménez, the abuse began in 2022 and escalated after Rodríguez assumed the leadership of Pemex. She said he often told her that his political position meant his word would carry more weight if she reported him.
The situation gained public attention after a video surfaced showing an alleged attack on March 15 of this year, which occurred in front of their minor son. Following the video’s release, Jiménez formally pressed charges.
In response, the Morelos Prosecutor’s Office granted protective measures for the victim while the investigation continues.
Rodríguez stepped down from his post on June 26, saying he wanted to face the legal process “strictly as a citizen” and avoid any interference with the investigation. He asked for privacy, stating, “For the well-being of my family, I respectfully request the necessary discretion and prudence so as not to affect my children during this process.” He also pledged to cooperate with authorities.
The detention report describes Rodríguez as approximately 1.78 meters tall, with white skin and white hair, wearing a white shirt and dress pants at the time of his arrest.
