La Plata municipal director Federico Pez detained on gender‑based abuse charges

Federico Hernán Pez, 54, who headed the Agency of Territorial Information for the municipality of La Plata and held a reserve position at the Buenos Aires provincial Ombudsman's office, was arrested over the weekend. Judge Juan Pablo Masi of La Plata’s Court of Guarantees denied the defendant’s request for release, keeping him in custody while the investigation proceeds.

The complaint, filed by Pez’s former partner, alleges physical injuries—including a bruised eye—and sexual abuse, described by prosecutors as “light injuries in conjunction with sexual abuse in a gender‑based violence context.” The Ministry of Women for Buenos Aires Province and the Directorate for Crimes Against Sexual Integrity have intervened, and the victims have asked the court to maintain his detention and to impose additional protection measures.

Pez’s record shows at least 15 prior criminal cases and more than 10 family‑court proceedings related to gender‑based violence, threats, and sexual harassment. The case has stirred political attention in La Plata, where he served under Mayor Julio Alak, prompting calls for administrative actions against the official.