Former Treasurer Arrested in Durango for Alleged Illegal Payments of 18 Million Pesos

Antonio "N," the former treasurer of Gómez Palacio, Durango, has been arrested on suspicion of authorizing illegal payments amounting to nearly 18 million pesos. The funds were allegedly disbursed to various public servants as severance compensation.

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office Against Corruption of Durango (FECCED) announced that investigators from Coahuila and Durango, along with the La Laguna Special Command, executed an arrest warrant for Antonio "N." He served as Municipal Treasurer during the 2019-2022 administration.

Prosecutors accuse him of probable responsibility for acts constituting the crime of Improper Use of Authority and Powers. This offense, outlined in the Durango State Penal Code, allegedly harmed the municipality.

The arrest occurred in Torreón, Coahuila, following a coordinated operation. According to the anti-corruption investigation, Antonio "N" managed municipal public funds and issued 291 checks totaling 17,953,386 pesos to public servants for severance pay. Investigators deem these payments illegal, citing constitutional and state labor laws that stipulate severance compensation is only applicable in cases of unjustified dismissal and requires a written agreement.

The prosecution believes these actions caused significant economic damage to the public treasury. Antonio "N" has been placed at the disposal of the competent judicial authority, who will determine his legal status.