# Hernán Rivas sentenced to 8 years for fraudulent law degree > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hernn-rivas-legal-case-and-congressional-reform > Updated: 2026-09-22T20:52:00.000Z. Sources: 66. Developments: 2. A Paraguayan sentencing tribunal has convicted former senator and former president of the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados (JEM), Hernán Rivas, to eight years in prison for the production and use of false public documents. The conviction stems from Rivas using a fraudulent law degree from Universidad Sudamericana to hold significant institutional roles, including serving as a representative to the JEM—the body responsible for judging judges and prosecutors—and obtaining a professional license from the Supreme Court of Justice. During the trial, judges María Fernanda García de Zúñiga, Yolanda Portillo, and Juan Carlos Zárate Pastor characterized Rivas as an ‘alumno fantasma’ (ghost student), noting a complete absence of academic, administrative, or financial records to support his claim of studying law. The court found that Rivas had no record of attending classes, taking exams, or interacting with professors, despite possessing a certificate and degree. The sentencing was reached by a majority vote. While the prosecution had requested a 12-year sentence, the tribunal settled on eight years. Judge Zárate Pastor dissented from the majority, advocating for a 14-year term due to the gravity of the political and judicial damage caused. Additionally, the tribunal has referred four witnesses presented by the defense—specifically two professors and two students—to the Public Ministry for investigation into potential false testimony. Legal experts have suggested the case may trigger further investigations into officials who facilitated the registration of his fraudulent credentials. ## Claims - Hernán Rivas was sentenced to 8 years in prison. (disputed by 11 sources) - Judge Juan Carlos Zárate Pastor voted for a 14-year prison sentence. (disputed by 6 sources) - The alleged damage to the public treasury is estimated at 4 billion pesos. (disputed by 5 sources) - The alleged damage to the public treasury is estimated at 166 million pesos. (disputed) - Ernesto Ruffo Appel was detained on July 16 in Ensenada, Baja California. (corroborated by 22 sources) - A federal judge granted a definitive suspension regarding the denial of Ernesto Ruffo Appel's request for house arrest. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Ernesto Ruffo Appel faces charges of organized crime and fuel smuggling related to a large-scale tax evasion scheme. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The defense argues for house arrest based on Ruffo's age of 74 and ongoing health issues. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Ernesto Ruffo Appel was granted house arrest to continue his legal process due to his age and health conditions. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Hernán Rivas was convicted of the mediation of production and use of false public documents. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The court found no academic evidence that Rivas completed a law degree at Universidad Sudamericana. (corroborated by 9 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Ernesto Ruffo and Hernán Rivas face legal developments in Mexico and Paraguay Former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel is granted house arrest amid fuel smuggling charges, while former Paraguayan senator Hernán Rivas is sentenced to eight years for using a false law degree. 64 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hernn-rivas-case-prompts-calls-for-congressional-reform-in-paraguay ### 2026-09-16: Hernán Rivas trial: Witness identifies former senator by physical traits Witness Éver Ortiz Torres testified in the oral trial of former senator Hernán Rivas, identifying him by his physical features during their time as law students. Rivas declined to testify. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hernn-rivas-trial-witness-identifies-former-senator-by-physical-traits --- Cite as: Hernán Rivas sentenced to 8 years for fraudulent law degree. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hernn-rivas-legal-case-and-congressional-reform