U.S. Judge to assess ex-Peru President Toledo's probation request

Photo: EFE

11:12 | San Francisco (U.S.), Oct. 18.

United States Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson on Thursday ordered ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo to remain at Maguire Correctional Facility in San Mateo County, California, while the court assesses if he will face his extradition process on probation.

On October 29, another judge will evaluate the guarantees presented by Toledo's defense —led by lawyer Graham Archer— in order to decide if he is released on probation.

Days ago, his Peruvian attorney Heriberto Benitez stated —from Lima— that Toledo was transferred to another U.S. penitentiary center.

The ex-Head of State had been imprisoned in a solitary cell —to guarantee his safety— at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, also in the State of California.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria ordered the release on bail of Toledo on October 22 if an alternative detention arrangement was not found.

At Maguire Correctional Facility, Toledo can now go to the yard and have access to entertainment.

As is known, former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in the United States by an extradition order against him, within the framework of the investigations over alleged corruption offenses in the awarding of the South Interoceanic Highway Project to Brazilian company Odebrecht.

On September 12, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson denied the request made by the ex-Head of State's defense to release him on bail during the extradition process.

Furthermore, in a statement sent to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise LaPunzina pointed out Toledo himself had asked for the special security measures in jail, which included solitary confinement.

Toledo is wanted by the Peruvian justice to face an investigation into the alleged bribes worth US$35 million paid by Brazilian company Odebrecht over the concession for the development of the South Interoceanic Highway during his term in office (2001-2006).

In February 2017, Peru's Judicial Branch ordered the 18-month preventive detention of him on influence peddling and asset laundering charges, within the framework of the Odebrecht case. He was already residing in the U.S. at that time.

(END) EFE/RES/DTK/MVB

Published: 10/18/2019

U.S. Judge to assess ex-Peru President Toledo's probation request

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