Annyuri Villarreal the Only Woman Fugitive in Operation Jericho

Annyuri Villarreal, the only woman who appeared on the list of fugitives in Operation Jericho, was provisionally detained Friday August 23.  A judge determined in a hearing, a judicial proceeding in which, in addition to legalizing her arrest, she was also charged with the alleged commission of money laundering crimes and conspiracy to commit drug-related crimes. According to the statements made by anti-drug prosecutor Joseph Díaz at the hearing, Villarreal, who turned herself in to authorities, last Wednesday afternoon, managed a vehicle repair shop located in Llano Bonito, a district of Juan Díaz.  At the location, cars and trucks were modified to hide drugs, in what is known as a double bottom.

Since the scandal broke out as a result of Operation Jericho, Raúl Pineda, a deputy for the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), has disappeared from the public sphere. His seat in the various legislative committees in which he participates has been left empty.  He did not attend the Budget Committee or the Credentials Committee, despite the fact that these two bodies have managed important tasks in recent days.  His seat in the legislative chamber is occupied by his substitute, Joana Cedeño.  He also did not accompany his son, Abraham Rico Pineda, to the multiple hearing where he was charged with alleged money laundering.  That day (Wednesday, August 21) his wife, Isis De León, was present and sat in the third row on the left side of the court room.  Next to her was Maybel Araúz, Abraham Rico Pineda’s partner. Below, the empty chair by PRC Deputy Raúl Pineda.