| In
Honduras Narco
Case Pineda
Gets 15 Years
Cites No
Programming
for Next 11
Years
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Substack
SDNY EXCLUSIVE,
July 2 – After
the president
of Honduras'
brother Tony
Hernandez was
convicted of
drug
trafficking
and sentenced
to life plus
thirty years,
on April 21,
2022 the
ex-president
himself, Juan
Orlando
Hernandez, was
extradited to
the United
States.
[Espanol aqui]
On December 19,
2023 as to co-defendant Tigre
Bonilla, Judge Castel ruled:
"ORDER as to Juan Carlos
Bonilla Valladares; The trial
of this action has been long
set for February 5, 2024. The
Court does not anticipate
moving that trial date or
granting a severance."
It was moved to
February 6. After Pineda plead
guilty, on February 6 on no
notice, and with Inner City
Press the only media in the
courtroom, Tigre Bonilla pled
guilty. Thread
On July 2 Pineda
was sentenced, and Inner City
Press was the only media
there. Thread:
OK - now heading
to sentencing of Mauricio
Hernandez Pineda, formerly of
the Honduras National Police
(and cousin of JOH). Pineda
wants 15 years; US is asking
for 20.
All rise! Judge
Castel: I have read Mr.
Pineda's letter [Inner City
Press has also read it: Pineda
says he's teaching Spanish and
advising Christians]
Pineda's
lawyer Ma: No objection to the
Pre-Sentencing Report
Ma: Judge Schofield in 2018
sentenced the HNP's Garcia who
worked with Lionel Rivera of
los Cachiros to 168 months or
14 years. Ludwig Zelaya Romero
had lists of sicarios, killed
a journalist. He got 144
months or 12 years
Ma: Pineda
accepted responsibility -
others in this case have
filled the air with lies. He
has learned English [Pineda is
using interpretation
headphones] Judge: Does he
consent to removal from the
US? Ma: He is concerned it
would hinder him from getting
programs
Pineda: I have
been targeted by high
officials of this government.
I was put in the hole for 271
days. I have been put in with
gangs. I've seen people burned
with hot water; I've seen two
colleagues brutally
killed Pineda: This
country promotes human rights
but I haven't seen it in my
case. I feel impotent. When zi
am free I want to start an
aviary farm to produce eggs in
my country-
Judge: This is in
your letter Pineda:
Thanks you for providing me my
3 lawyers and [person in
courtroom]
AUSA: We ask for
20 years. Pineda led other
police officers escorting and
protecting tons of
cocaine. AUSA: Pineda
sought to obstruct justice. He
warned cooperators against his
family members to not
cooperate- Judge: Posts on
social media? Spray painting?
Is this obstruction of
justice? AUSA: I understand
the Court's skepticism.
Judge
Castel: Pineda was a high
ranking member of the Honduran
National Police, related to 2
other members of the
conspiracy. Obstruction
enhancement denied. I reject
any bad faith in his being put
in isolation.
Judge
Castel: I sentence Pineda to
180 months in prison [15
years] after which he will
almost certainly be deported
More
details on X
for subscribers here and
(SPanish on) Substack here
The case is US v.
Diaz Morales, et al.,
15-cr-379 (Castel)
***
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