Puerto Vallarta’s Control and Oral Court has charged former municipal officials Rafael “N” and Lucio “N” with abuse of authority and misuse of powers. Lucio “N” also faces an additional charge of embezzlement. Both served as Senior Administrative Officers in the previous city administration.
The case centers on the hiring of Galilea Guadalupe “N” as a city attorney, despite lacking a professional license. She also received vacation pay before it was due and was granted a full salary without deductions, even though she repeatedly failed to show up for work.
During the hearing, Lucio “N”’s defense argued that Galilea “N” was initially hired by his predecessor, Rafael “N.” They also claimed that salary and vacation payments were handled by other administrative departments. However, Judge Luis Daniel Canales González ruled that Lucio “N” had a responsibility to oversee payroll and had improperly approved the appointment.
Meanwhile, Rafael “N” did not present any statement or defense during the proceedings.
After reviewing 40 pieces of evidence presented by the Jalisco Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, the judge decided to prosecute both officials. City Hall lawyers testified that a professional license was a requirement for hiring.
At the request of Public Prosecutor Brenda Janeth Ruiz Arias, the judge imposed precautionary measures on both defendants:
- Monthly check-ins with authorities
- A ban on leaving the country
- A prohibition on contacting witnesses
- A six-month disqualification from holding public office
The judge also granted a four-month period for further investigation and directed the Prosecutor’s Office to take legal action if the City Council’s General Secretariat failed to provide necessary documents on time.