TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS.-Former police officer Mauricio Hernández Pineda, alleged cousin of the former deputy Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, negotiates his debt with the New York Attorney General’s office.
This was proved by his own lawyer, Howard leader, who asked the judge Kevin Castle the suspension of a hearing scheduled for the previous week.
“I am aware that a significant amount of time has passed since my client last appeared in court. However, I can warn the court that I am in close contact with him and that the parties will continue to participate actively in the plea negotiations, ”Leader stated in his letter to the judge.
Although he indicated to have requested the suspension of the hearing because he will undergo the covid-19 vaccine.
READ: The faces of the Honduran narcos and politicians mentioned in Tony Hernández’s testimony
According to experts, Hernández Pineda’s plea negotiations entail a possible cooperative pact with the US judiciary, that is, it is not out of the question that he will be a witness to prosecutors on other charges.
The former officer surrendered to the DEA in early 2020 and pleaded not guilty to the charges at his first hearing.
On the other hand, the defense of former police officer Juan Manuel Ávila Meza, is linked to the case of Fabio Lobo and The Cachiros, requested a minimum sentence of imprisonment.
Ávila Meza is waiting for his trial, which will take place in March.