Prosecutor Aurelio Valdez resigns amid Senasa bribery allegations

Aurelio Valdez Alcántara, a prosecutor accused of accepting a US$10,000 bribe, has resigned from the Ministerio Público in the Dominican Republic. The bribery allegation is linked to the corruption investigation involving the National Health Insurance (Senasa). According to the prosecution, Valdez Alcántara received the cash from witness Roberto Canaán to influence investigations.

His resignation results in the loss of his privileged jurisdiction. The legal proceedings have been transferred to the ordinary jurisdiction, with the First Court of Instruction of the National District, presided over by Judge Patricia Padilla, now overseeing the preparatory stage. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Valdez Alcántara is currently serving a three-month preventive detention at the Najayo Hombres Correction and Rehabilitation Center. His defense team, including lawyers Valentín Medrano and Albert Delgado, has challenged the investigation, alleging legal violations and procedural irregularities during the process.