Walter Bento granted weekend leave from prison

Former federal judge Walter Bento has been granted weekend leave, allowing him to leave the Cacheuta Federal Penitentiary Complex on Friday mornings and return on Mondays at 2:00 PM. The decision, signed by Judge Jorge Gamal Abdel Chamia of the Federal Oral Court No. 2 of Mendoza, permits Bento to spend much of the week at his residence in the Palmares neighborhood of Godoy Cruz.

The defense argued the request was necessary due to the deteriorating health of Bento’s wife, Marta Boiza, and the needs of his son, Facundo Bento, who has a severe disability requiring constant assistance. While the prosecution noted that the son already receives 24-hour professional care and specialized transport, the judge ruled that professional support does not fully replace family presence.

Bento was previously sentenced to 18 years in prison for leading an illicit association involved in collecting bribes in exchange for procedural favors. The Public Prosecutor's Office has expressed categorical opposition to the ruling and is evaluating an appeal.