Five Former Morelos Officials Linked to Trial; Will Remain in Hermosillo Prison

A federal judge has ordered five former officials from the state of Morelos to stand trial, imposing preventive detention as they face charges related to organized crime and extortion.

The accused, identified as Agustín "N," Irving "N," Pablo Adrián "N," Horacio "N," and Jonathan "N," were arrested on May 20. They are being investigated for their alleged involvement in organized crime with the objective of committing drug-related offenses, as well as suspected acts of extortion.

The prosecution alleges that the former officials held meetings with Júpiter Araujo Bernal, also known as "El Barbas." Bernal is reportedly the leader of a cell linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, which is said to have operated and infiltrated at least eight municipalities within Morelos.

The legal proceedings began on May 26 and concluded on May 27, extending over 24 hours of judicial proceedings. The judge mandated the defendants' physical presence in court, requiring their transfer from the federal prison (Cefereso) number 11 in Hermosillo, Sonora, where they are being held.

Defense attorneys requested a two-week period for the complementary investigation, citing that the case file has been open since February 19, 2025. However, the Attorney General's Office requested six months, citing the need to analyze over 20 seized mobile phones and extract digital information. The judge ultimately granted 15 days for the closure of the complementary investigation, with the next hearing scheduled for June 11, 2026.