Judge imposes preventive detention on former Dominican Republic attorney and four other people suspected of corruption and other crimes

(CNN Spanish) – A Santo Domingo judge on Tuesday imposed preventive detention for 18 months on the former attorney general of the Dominican Republic Jean Alain Rodríguez and others accused of participating in an alleged criminal network of corruption, money laundering and other crimes.

The Public Ministry affirms that Rodríguez is the leader of the network that, according to the authorities, embezzled the equivalent of more than US $ 105 million from the State.

The judge in the case also ruled that the former attorney will be held at the Najayo Hombres Correction and Rehabilitation Center.

The defense council of the former attorney described this Wednesday as disproportionate the measure of coercion imposed by the judge. He stated that the arraigos were not taken into account by presenting them to the Court and that the principle of legality was violated. Rodríguez denied the allegations against him and said the case is full of lies.

Jonnathan Joel Rodríguez Imbert, who was administrative director of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), were sent to the same prison for 18 months; Alfredo Solano, former financial director and former project manager of the entity, and Javier Alejandro Forteza Ibarra, who held the position of director of Information Technology of the PGR. Like the former prosecutor, they deny the facts attributed to them in the file.

Ingrid Hidalgo, Rodríguez Imbert’s lawyer, said she was not satisfied with the decision, but indicated that she will not appeal, stating that this is part of her strategy.

They will serve home detention for 18 months Altagracia Guillén, who served as administrative deputy director of the PGR, Rafael Mercedes, in charge of the Accounting Department of the PGR, and Jenny Marte, in charge of projects at the institution. Marte rejects the assertions of the Prosecutor’s Office.

Cándido Simó, Altagracia Guillén Calzado’s lawyer, indicated that, although it was not appropriate, he will not appeal the decision.

Jenny Marte’s lawyer, Ricardo Rosario, said he was satisfied with the judge’s decision because his client received house arrest and was prevented from leaving the country. CNN has not been able to reach legal representatives for Mercedes.

José Miguel Moya was released on bail equivalent to more than US $ 17,500. In addition, he was prevented from leaving without judicial authorization and must appear before the Special Prosecutor for the Persecution of Administrative Corruption (PEPCA) on the 30th of each month. Moya’s lawyer reported that he will appeal the judge’s decision to impose periodic presentation and bail.

They anticipate more arrests

The deputy prosecutor, Yeni Berenice, valued the decision as positive and in turn revealed that there will be more detainees because it is an open investigation.

The Public Ministry presented more than 5,800 pages of evidence for the case in which these and other people were accused of a coalition of officials, prevarication, association of criminals, fraud against the State, embezzlement, violation of the law on crimes and high crimes. technology, acts of illegal access, damage or alteration of data and sabotage.

The Dominican Justice has declared the case complex. According to article 370 of the country’s Criminal Procedure Code, when a case is declared complex, the Public Ministry has a maximum of 18 months to complete its investigation and present formal accusations, if applicable.

CNN has so far been unable to secure legal representatives for the other defendants.