Edomex officials released after extortion charges reclassified

Former officials of the State of Mexico's Secretariat of the Environment, Raúl “N” and Carlos “N”, have been released from the Huitzilzingo prison following a legal reclassification of their crimes.

While originally accused of running an extortion ring targeting vehicle verification centers (verificentros) in municipalities such as Nezahualcóyotl, Almoloya de Juárez, Coacalco, and Tlalnepantla, judicial authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to sustain the extortion charges. Consequently, the offense was reclassified as abuse of authority.

Under an abbreviated procedure, both individuals were sentenced to one year and four months in prison. However, the prison sentence was commuted to a fine of approximately 5,000 pesos each. In addition to the fines, the court ordered their dismissal and disqualification from holding public office. They must now comply with monthly reporting requirements to the Center for Precautionary Measures (CEMECA) and are prohibited from approaching the victims.