Ex-Public Defender Charged in Fraud, Bribery Case

Cancún, Mexico — The Attorney General's Office of the Republic has announced that a former federal public defender, Alicia Paola Barrientos de la Peña, has been formally charged and will face trial. A control judge at the Federal Criminal Justice Center in Quintana Roo, based in this city, ordered the proceedings for the crimes of fraud and bribery after compelling evidence was presented at an initial hearing.

Abuse of Position and False Promises

According to the ministerial investigations, the accused demanded multiple payments from a client who was undergoing criminal proceedings following their apprehension. The former official assured her client that the money was necessary to guarantee his freedom and to comply with supposed conditions established by the control judge.

These actions, which constitute an abuse of her position, resulted in the charges of fraud, for obtaining money under false pretenses, and bribery, for requesting improper benefits in her capacity as a public servant.

Conditional Suspension Granted

During the hearing, the accused requested a conditional suspension of the proceedings for a period of 10 months, with a commitment to repair the damage caused to the victim. The judge accepted the request; however, the former public defender will remain under investigation while her legal situation and possible additional sanctions are determined.

This case brings to light alleged corrupt practices within the public defense system, affecting trust in key institutions for justice in Quintana Roo.