Judge’s Controversial Past and Recent Gun Incident Spark Investigation

Cancún. – José Luis Jonathan Yong Mendoza has established himself as a recurring figure in the public administration of Quintana Roo, always closely linked to the power structures of the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM).

Despite a career marked by constant allegations and replacements amid security crises or personal scandals, the current Control Judge has managed to move through various strategic positions in the municipalities of Benito Juárez and Puerto Morelos, always maintaining the backing of his political group.

His rise to power began during the administration of Remberto Estrada Barba in Cancún, where he served as director of the Municipal Police.

His departure from the force occurred in a context of increasing violence in the tourist destination, which forced a change in police leadership. However, his exit from public security did not mean his retirement from public service, as he was politically rescued to occupy the position of Municipal Cadastre Director in the same green-ecologist administration.

Subsequently, his career continued in the municipality of Puerto Morelos, where he served as Chief Administrative Officer.

During his time in public administration, Yong Mendoza was promoted as a relevant cadre of the Green Party, even being mentioned in various political circles as a possible aspirant for a candidacy for local deputy.

This support allowed him, on September 1, 2025, to be sworn in as a Control Judge in criminal matters, a high-ranking position within the State Judicial Power.

Parallel to his administrative career, his public life has been marred by incidents that have escalated to public opinion.

One of them dates back to operations carried out in the Puerto Juárez dock area, where the father of the now judge was accused of the alleged possession or safekeeping of outboard motors and navigation equipment with theft reports.

At that time, it was reported that the family establishment in Puerto Juárez not only functioned as a seafood business but was also under the scrutiny of authorities for alleged administrative irregularities and for serving as a base for activities related to vessels of dubious origin.

During those events, it was reported in the media that Jonathan Yong, using his influences and his position in the Green Party structure, would have intervened to halt the proceedings or prevent the case from leading to greater legal consequences for his father.

This situation fueled the public perception that the former police chief used institutions for personal and family benefit, a shadow that has followed him in every new position he holds.

The most recent and serious scandal occurred just a few days ago in the Palmaris Residential area. Neighbors in the area reported and provided evidence through recordings of Judge Yong Mendoza carrying a firearm and maintaining extremely aggressive behavior during a personal conflict.

The testimonies indicate that the official allegedly threatened his romantic partner with the weapon, which has unleashed a wave of citizen demands for the Judicial Administration Body to investigate his behavior, pointing out the incongruity of a justice administrator being involved in acts of armed and gender-based violence.