TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras.-Former police officer Maurici Hernández Pineda, alleged cousin of the former deputy Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, negotiates his guilt with the New York Prosecutor’s Office.
This was evidenced by his own lawyer, Howard Leader, who applied to the judge Kevin Castle the suspension of a hearing scheduled for the previous week.
“I am aware that a considerable amount of time has elapsed since the last time my client appeared before the Court. However, I can warn the court that I maintain close contact with him and that the parties continue to be actively involved in the guilty plea negotiations, ”Leader stated in his letter to the judge.
He further indicated that he requested the suspension of the hearing because he will undergo the covid-19 vaccine.
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According to experts, Hernández Pineda’s guilt negotiations carry with them a possible pact of cooperation with the United States judiciary, that is, it is not ruled out that he will be a witness for prosecutors on other charges.
The ex-officer turned himself in to the DEA in early 2020 and at his first hearing pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On the other hand, the defense is the former police officer Juan Manuel Ávila Meza, linked to the file of Fabio Llop and the Cachiros, Requested that he be sentenced to a minimum term in prison.
Ávila Meza is awaiting his trial, which will take place next March.