Background on Silvano Aureoles and the Charges Against Him
Silvano Aureoles Conejo, the former governor of Michoacán, faces charges including embezzlement (peculado), money laundering, criminal association, and fraudulent administration. These allegations have led to an arrest warrant against him.
Judge’s Decision and its Implications
Federal Judge Jovita Vargas Alarcón, from the Ninth Penal District in Mexico City, granted a definite suspension to Silvano Aureoles, preventing his arrest indefinitely despite the serious charges. This decision was announced on May 15, stating that Aureoles cannot be detained until Judge Vargas Alarcón issues an amparo sentence, which may happen by June 2.
Furthermore, the judge imposed a bail of one million pesos that Aureoles must deposit to maintain this judicial protection.
Fiscal General de la República’s Response
The Fiscal General de la República (FGR) described the judge’s actions as “scandalous” and announced that they would file a penal complaint against her for allegedly providing improper protection to Aureoles.
In a statement posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the FGR explained that Aureoles was supposed to appear for a hearing on May 9 as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against him, but he did not show up.
Instead of enforcing legal consequences, Judge Vargas Alarcón accepted his absence four days later and rescheduled the hearing for three months ahead. The FGR views this decision as a violation of the National Code of Criminal Procedures, which mandates that such acts should occur within 15 days.
“Regardless of the lack of legal justification for his non-appearance, authorities have unlawfully suspended the arrest warrant, providing him with evidently partial and unjust protection,” stated the FGR in their communication.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Silvano Aureoles Conejo? Silvano Aureoles Conejo is the former governor of Michoacán, Mexico, who now faces serious criminal charges including embezzlement and money laundering.
- What charges is Aureoles facing? Aureoles is accused of peculado (embezzlement), lavado de dinero (money laundering), asociación delictuosa (criminal association), and administración fraudulenta (fraudulent administration).
- What did Judge Vargas Alarcón decide? Judge Vargas Alarcón granted a definite suspension against Aureoles’ arrest warrant, preventing his detention indefinitely until she issues an amparo sentence by June 2.
- Why is the Fiscal General de la República (FGR) upset? The FGR is dissatisfied with Judge Vargas Alarcón’s decision, calling it scandalous and alleging that she provided improper protection to Aureoles, violating the National Code of Criminal Procedures.
