Former Mayor Jhonny Fernández Arrested in Santa Cruz for Embezzlement of 191 Million Bolivianos
Santa Cruz police confirmed the arrest of former mayor Jhonny Fernández, who was declared in absentia after failing to appear at his bail hearing.
Police Capture Former Mayor Fernández Following Operations in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The departmental police commander of Santa Cruz, Colonel Edson Fernández, confirmed on Wednesday 28 October the arrest of former Santa Cruz mayor Jhonny Fernández, according to reports from reduno.com.bo. The former official had been sought since the courts declared him in absentia for failing to attend his bail hearing on Tuesday 27 October.
"We are working on it. Yes, Señor Jhonny Fernández is under arrest," Colonel Edson Fernández stated briefly when asked about the situation of the former official.
During the early morning hours, police officers and representatives of the Public Prosecutor's office carried out operations at several properties linked to the former mayor. One of the operations took place at offices located on the Doble Vía avenue to La Guardia, where uniformed officers executed a search to locate Fernández and carry out the arrest warrant. Initially, the search yielded no results, although hours later the commander confirmed the detention.
Following news of the police operation, Fernández's defence lawyer appeared at the location to assume his legal representation. The defence had previously questioned the judicial order, alleging alleged violations of due process and lack of guarantees for his client's appearance.
Jhonny Fernández is being investigated for the alleged embezzlement of approximately 191 million bolivianos, funds intended for 17 municipal projects in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The investigation points to irregularities in the administration of resources allocated to various infrastructure works in the Santa Cruz capital.
By failing to appear at the bail hearing on 27 October and failing to justify his absence, the judicial authority determined to declare him in absentia and issue the corresponding arrest warrant. In accordance with the judicial order, Fernández is to be placed at the disposal of the competent authorities to continue with the proceedings of the criminal case.
Source: Google News BO — Crime