Former Tulum Official Charged With Domestic Violence and Threats

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A judge has ordered a former Tulum public official to stand trial on charges of domestic violence and threats against his partner, the state prosecutor’s office announced.

Lorenzo Bernabe N., who previously served in Tulum’s Urban Development Department, was formally charged after an investigation into an incident on March 26 at the couple’s shared home. According to the complaint, an argument escalated into a physical assault that left the victim unconscious.

When she regained consciousness, the woman began recording video of the alleged attacker on her phone. Bernabe N. allegedly tried to grab the device and pushed her, causing her to fall onto a bed, prosecutors said.

On March 30, the suspect returned to the home and threatened the victim, warning her that it was not in her interest to report him because she depended on him financially and that he would harm her, according to the investigation.

After his arrest and transfer to judicial authorities in Tulum, a judge ordered him held in pretrial detention for the duration of the proceedings.

Bernabe N.’s tenure at the Urban Development Department was marked by controversy over allegations of irregular building permits.

Prosecutors emphasized that the charges do not constitute a conviction and that the defendant is presumed innocent until a final ruling is issued.