Coihueco Mayor Wilson Palma under investigation for sexual abuse

Wilson Palma Jelves, the mayor of Coihueco, is under formal investigation by the Chillán Prosecutor's Office for multiple alleged sexual offenses. The investigation includes two counts of surprise sexual abuse, four counts of soliciting sexual favors, and two counts of indecency.

The allegations involve a municipal employee who reported receiving inappropriate messages, phone calls, and verbal requests for sexual relations in the mayor's office between February and June 2025. The victim also reported an attempted kiss that she managed to avoid.

A previous report from the Comptroller General of the Republic, spanning over 500 pages, reportedly provided evidence of both labor and sexual harassment. Legal representatives for the victim claim that audio and video recordings exist to support these allegations and suggest that municipal funds were used to pay for the mayor's legal defense.

The Chillán Guarantee Court has imposed a restraining order prohibiting the mayor from approaching or communicating with the victim. The investigation, conducted by the PDI's Sexual Crimes Investigation Brigade, is expected to last three months.