AMLO used public money for Cienfuegos's defense

AMLO's government used public money to pay for Salvador Cienfuegos's defense who had several accusations in the past.

Cienfuegos was accused of drug trafficking and money laundering according to what was published by the Attorney General's Office. 

The military officer was arrested in October 2020 in Los Angeles, California, by order of a judge from the Eastern District Court of New York.

Accused of drug trafficking, protection of a criminal organization called H-2, affiliated with the Beltrán Leyva cartel, and money laundering.

Interference of López Obrador in the case

Initially, the former president applauded the arrest and even said a cleanup would be done in SEDENA.

All this with the intention of removing from there all those who had ties with the military officer. 

 

However, shortly afterwards he changed his mind and advocated intensely and energetically for the military officer.

This through diplomatic channels with the outgoing government of Donald Trump for the military officer to be released and repatriated. 

Thanks to public documents it can be stated that the supposed process and investigation were neither truthful nor impartial.

AMLO's government was judge and party in this case, meaning a state defense, just as the old PRI and PAN regime did.

AMLO not only rescued Cienfuegos but also took charge of his defense.

Use of public money in this case

According to the document published by the FGR, the military officer's defense lawyers were assigned and sponsored by SEDENA itself, of which AMLO was the supreme commander.

Thus, several of the arguments given by the state's defense were fully adopted by the prosecution in their conclusions of "innocence" of the general.

All this caused indignation and annoyance at the time from the United States Department of Justice.