Disciplinary Board of the OJ recommends dismissal of two judges, one for drinking alcohol and one for having a minor in court

The Disciplinary Board of the Judicial Agency resolved the sanctions for four Judges of Alta Verapaz, who were investigated and taken before said instance by the commission of several offenses in the exercise of their work in that town.

Judges José Alfredo Quiñónez, President of the Second Criminal Judgment of Alta Verapaz; Luis Paniagua and William Arturo Chen, also of said court, were pointed out to commit faults in the performance of their functions, since, according to the Disciplinary Board, it was found that they consumed alcoholic beverages during working hours within the judicial facilities.

As for Judge Walter Fabricio Rosales, president of the First Criminal Judgment, Narcoactivity and Crimes against the Environment, he was investigated because it was established that he held a relationship with a minor, who, according to the inquiries, was found several times in his office within the court.

They recommend dismissals and impose sanctions

For the facts attributed to them, the Disciplinary Board of the Judicial Agency considered that judges José Alfredo Quiñónez and Luis Paniagua ingested alcoholic beverages at the judicial headquarters during the working hours. In the case of Judge William Chen, the Board concluded that she did not consume these drinks, but consented to use her office for this purpose.

For that reason, The Discipline Board recommended dismissal and disqualification to perform any position in the judicial agency of Judge José Alfredo Quiñónez. As for Judge Luis Alejandro Paniagua, a 20 -day sanction was imposed without salary enjoyment due to the offense committed. Judge William Cen was applied a written warning, since it was considered incurred in a slight offense.

In the case of Judge Walter Fabricio Rosales, the Disciplinary Board recommended its dismissal and disqualification to exercise any judicial position, since it was found that it incurred a serious offense by having, without any justification, to a minor within the facilities of the Court in their position.

The resolution will be sent to the Council of the Judicial Race to transfer it to the Supreme Court of Justice, an instance that must decide whether or not the dismissal of the judges indicated by serious offenses proceeds.

They deny accusations

The sanctioned judges denied in the hearings held the facts attributed to them. In their defense they assured that, at no time, they have incurred offenses or caused delays in judicial processes under their position in Alta Verapaz, so they have requested from The Disciplinary Board of the Judicial Agency that will issue a fair resolution and attached to law.

The facts

The facts for which the judges are dated October 2023, said lawyer Sindie García, who commented that information was received from the organized civil society of Alta Verapaz, in which this situation was made known.

The lawyer described this behavior as “unfortunate” by indicating that there are Judges and magistrates in that department linked to establishments dedicated to human trafficking and liquor consumption. He also pointed out that they live with minors and even maintain sentimental relations with judicial auxiliary personnel who work in the judiciary.

According to the investigation against Judge Walter Fabricio Rosales Hernández, president of the First Criminal Court, there are testimonial statements indicating that he took a minor in his vehicle, taking advantage of the fact that he was not registered when he entered the judicial headquarters.

It is also mentioned that the child was repeatedly seen within the judge’s office. One of the witnesses said that the young woman several times for “Fabricio”, referring to Judge Rosales Hernández. Several witnesses also indicated to have seen the young woman, on multiple occasions, within the office of the judge, during working hours.