U.S. Judge to reconsider release on bail of ex-President Toledo

Photo: EFE

17:19 | San Francisco (U.S.), Aug. 7.

United States Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson on Wednesday agreed to reconsider if ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) will be released on bail during the extradition process against him.

A public defender was assigned to Toledo, as he indicated he could not afford one. Thus, his new attorney —Graham Archer— provided new financial information and asked the judge to reconsider Toledo's release.

Magistrate Judge Hixson accepted the request and scheduled the new hearing for August 22, at 10:00 AM (local time).

Therefore, he will have enough time to assess the extensive documentation provided by Toledo's defense and the District Attorney's Office.

On her part, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise LaPunzina —who represents the Peruvian State in the case— questioned the ex-President's claim that he does not have enough financial resources to pay for an attorney.

Likewise, Magistrate Judge Hixson informed he will evaluate the matter.

The session lasted less than 10 minutes.

Furthermore, the new dates for the next hearings will be scheduled on August 22.

July Audience

Ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) will face his extradition process detained in a U.S. cell, said U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson on July 19.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise LaPunzina was in charge of supporting the complaint against Toledo and the need for the ex-President to remain detained during the extradition process.

Toledo's attorney was Joseph P. Russoniello on that occasion.

According to Peruvian El Comercio newspaper, LaPunzina indicated the ex-President did not prove that he complies with the special conditions to be released on bond and underlined there is a considerable risk of flight.

Moreover, she stressed that a bag containing at least US$40,000 in cash was found inside Toledo's house when he was detained, adding these funds could be intended for escaping.

After listening to the arguments, U.S. Magistrate Judge Hixson asked if the money found in Toledo's house was intended for escaping.

His wife Eliane Karp —who was born in Europe and became First Lady of Peru (2001-2006)— was also present at the bail hearing.

Later, Karp insulted Peruvian Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela, who travelled from Lima to the Bay Area to attend the event.

According to the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office, Toledo received more than US$20 million in bribes from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to favor it during his presidency (2001-2006) with the concession of the South Interoceanic Highway. With this money, the former president paid mortgages and properties in Peru.

Toledo detained in the U.S.

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.

The Peruvian Public Ministry's International Judicial Cooperation and Extraditions Unit (UCJIE) Head Senior Prosecutor Celia Goicochea indicated the detention took place on July 16, 2019, at 6:30 AM (local time) in the State of California.

Goicochea recalled the extradition request was submitted to United States' authorities on May 25, 2018.

After U.S. authorities' questions were addressed, the Department of Justice notified the Public Ministry's UCJIE on July 2 that the arrest order was being prepared in order to extradite the ex-President.

Click here to read the facts of the extradition request against Toledo.

(END) FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 8/7/2019

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U.S. Judge to reconsider release on bail of ex-President Toledo

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