Ex-local-rep probed in alleged $3.1 million scam

Marquelda Rodríguez, the former representative of Nuevo Emperador, who was provisionally detained for aggravated embezzlement by alleged mismanagement of funds by the community board, had the measure revoked and, failing that, and was sentenced to house and the use of an electronic bracelet.

The superior Court of Appeals of the First Judicial District revoked the decision handed down by the Judge of Guarantees, which on July 14, imposed provisional detention on 51-year-old Rodríguez and instead ordered precautionary measures prohibiting her from leaving the country without judicial authorization, home detention and the use of an electronic bracelet or locator, in charge of the Penitentiary System, in the investigation in which she has been charged with the alleged commission of the crime against public administration in the form of embezzlement, to the detriment of the Community Board of Nuevo Emperador, Arraiján.

After listening to the arguments of the intervening parties, the magistrates based their decision on the fact that a different, but equally rigorous precautionary regime could be applied, according to the serious nature of the event that occurred in 2009-2014, while the investigations continue, which began in 2019 and has 18 volumes to date.

The investigations arose after audits carried out by the Comptroller General revealed alleged anomalies during the period 2009-2014 when Marquelda Rodríguez served as a representative of the township of Nuevo Emperador, in which she entered into contracts for professional services without having management of work carried out and unsupported expenses that indicated what was invested in and the loss of equipment, causing damage to the State of $3,187,856.