Chihuahua judge arrested amid corruption investigations

The Chihuahua Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has arrested Manuel Jurado Torres, a criminal judge from the Hidalgo Judicial District based in Parral, on charges of aggravated prevarication. The arrest follows investigations into alleged illegal acts intended to favor specific parties, including the unauthorized modification of pretrial detention measures and the assumption of powers belonging to higher authorities.

Prosecutor Abelardo Valenzuela stated that the office is preparing to seek the removal of legal immunity (desafuero) for several judicial officials as investigations expand. Currently, investigations involve at least 11 judges and two magistrates within the state's judicial system for suspected corruption. Valenzuela emphasized that “immunity cannot be a privilege to act with impunity.”

In response, the President of the Chihuahua State Judiciary, Marcela Herrera Sandoval, expressed full respect for the ongoing investigations and reiterated the institution's commitment to transparency and due process. She noted that the individual conduct of one official does not define the integrity of the entire judicial body.