A control judge based in Almoloya de Juárez issued an arrest warrant against the former governor of Michoacán, Silvano Aureoles Conejo, who is currently a fugitive from justice. Four collaborators of the former state governor were arrested, and Judge Patricia Sánchez Nava ordered justified preventive detention for them. The detainees are Carlos Maldonado Mendoza, former Secretary of Finance; Antonio Bernal Bustamante, former Secretary of Public Security; Mario Delgado Murillo, former finance delegate, and Elizabeth Villegas, former administrative delegate.
Aureoles was accused by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) of causing a financial damage to the Mexican State of 3 billion 412 million 165 thousand pesos through the construction of National Guard (GN) barracks. The prosecution claims that Aureoles authorized the construction at inflated prices of seven barracks in different locations. In a hearing that lasted 18 hours, Judge Sánchez Nava ordered preventive detention for Aureoles' former collaborators, supporting the FGR's arguments regarding the flight risk of the defendants.
Maldonado attempted to flee to Miami and was arrested by Interpol, which sent him back to Mexico. The detainees were charged with embezzlement, improper exercise of public service, organized crime, and money laundering. Antonio Bernal and Mario Murillo remained in prison at Reclusorio Oriente, while Carlos Maldonado and Elizabeth Villegas were transferred to the Santa Martha Acatitla prison. The hearing to determine whether the former collaborators are linked to the process will take place on Thursday, March 6.
The complaints against Aureoles Conejo began after Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla took office as governor of the state in 2021 and presented claims for alleged corruption to the relevant authorities.
