Former Quintana Roo Health Secretary Held Liable for Millions in Misused Federal Funds

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling holding former Quintana Roo Health Secretary Juan Lorenzo Ortegón Pacheco financially liable for millions in misappropriated federal funds intended for the Seguro Popular health insurance program.

The Second Collegiate Circuit Court on Thursday ratified a 2023 decision by the Caribbean Regional Chamber of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice (TFJA), which found Ortegón Pacheco responsible for failing to account for federal money allocated during his tenure over a decade ago.

Ortegón Pacheco, who served under former governor Roberto Borge Angulo, was found liable in an administrative sanctioning procedure initiated by the Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF). According to court documents, he failed to comply with audit observations regarding missing funds designated for the operation of the Seguro Popular program.

“The Justice of the Union does not grant protection to [Ortegón Pacheco] against the sentence of June 14, 2023,” states the court’s final ruling, effectively ending his legal battle. The decision is now final and cannot be appealed.

The former official had filed an administrative nullity lawsuit in 2022, which was rejected by the TFJA in 2023. He then pursued a direct amparo (constitutional protection) appeal, which the Second Collegiate Circuit Court has now denied.

Ortegón Pacheco joins other former Borge administration officials facing similar legal challenges over alleged fund misappropriation. This includes Mauricio Rodríguez Marrufo, former Secretary of Urban Development and Housing, whose case was recently reported by local media.