New criminal case against Jhonny Fernández over overpriced purchase of mobile clinics
The Public Ministry accepted a complaint against former Santa Cruz mayor Jhonny Fernández over the purchase of four mobile medical units in which the price was allegedly inflated by more than Bs 2.8 million.
New criminal case against Jhonny Fernández over overpriced purchase of mobile clinics
The former mayor of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Jhonny Fernández, faces an additional judicial investigation that worsens his legal situation. The highest authority of the Municipal Council, Luisa Nayar, announced that the Public Prosecutor's Office admitted a complaint regarding the purchase of four mobile surgeries in which a disproportionate charge exceeding Bs 2.8 million was detected.
The health vehicles were acquired during the past year to provide medical care to different neighbourhoods. Municipal records indicate that each unit—truck plus adapted structure—cost Bs 1,248,605. However, a budget from the official distributor reveals that each item has a real cost of Bs 531,108, which would imply an estimated patrimonial loss of Bs 2,869,988.
Nayar stated that the documents demonstrate the excessive charge and demanded that justice act with full legal rigour. The formal accusation includes the criminal charges of omission of obligations, irregular handling of public resources, and agreements to the detriment of state administration. In parallel, a travel ban was requested.
This case joins the multiple judicial proceedings that already concern the former chief executive. Last Tuesday, he presented himself voluntarily before the Delcc to declare as an informant within the scandal known as the "Mutualist case". There he delivered folders relating to his period in government, including identifications, procedures, and administrative records.
For his part, Alberto Vaca, head of Transparency, praised the speed with which the courts are processing complaints about alleged irregularities committed during Fernández's administration. He stated that they will continue examining the decisions taken in the municipal palace.
At present, the former city chief is under house arrest due to the so-called "unfinished pavement case", where he is also being investigated for abandonment of duties and improper handling of funds. To this are added other proceedings, such as the one pointing to an alleged embezzlement of money in the construction of the elevated passage at the fourth ring and the expansion of the road towards La Guardia.
Previously, Fernández had already been prosecuted for criminal offences including fraud, abandonment of duties, reckless operation of vehicles, libel, and slander.
Information published by El Deber
Source: El Deber