Daniel Orozco and Janina Ortiz sentenced in Mendoza corruption case

Former Las Heras Mayor Daniel Orozco and former Government Secretary Janina Ortiz have been sentenced to three years of suspended prison sentences following a plea bargain in the “Cooperativa Fantasma” corruption case. In addition to the prison terms, both individuals received a lifetime ban from holding public office.

The investigation uncovered that approximately $35.5 million pesos in municipal transfers were made for allegedly simulated cleaning services through the “Cooperativa Manos a la Obra.” The case, which surfaced during the 2023 electoral cycle, involved leaked audio recordings discussing the discretionary management of the cooperative.

Mendoza Governor Alfredo Cornejo stated that “justice was served,” noting that the plea bargain concluded a process he described as having faced unnecessary delays. Orozco also addressed the court, attributing the lengthy legal proceedings to ineffective defense strategies.