INPE Worker Sentenced to 4 Years for Taking S/500 from Inmate's Family to Avoid Transfer to High-Risk Prison

In a significant ruling against corruption within the penal system, former INPE technician Ronald Cárdenas has been handed a four-year suspended prison sentence. The judicial decision comes after Cárdenas was found guilty of abusing his position at the Transitional Penal Establishment of Lima, Ancón II, by soliciting a bribe from a family member of an inmate.

The case, brought forth by the Public Ministry, detailed how Cárdenas, operating under the alias "Alcaide Rony," contacted the wife of a recently admitted inmate. He demanded a payment of S/500, to be deposited via an app, with the explicit threat that failure to comply would result in the inmate's transfer to a high-risk facility, jeopardizing his safety and integrity.

Evidence presented by the prosecution included bank records, call logs, and WhatsApp messages, which clearly showed Cárdenas confirming the receipt of the money with the chilling phrase, “You are served.” The Judicial Power imposed not only the suspended prison sentence but also a three-year probationary period with strict behavioral rules. Furthermore, Cárdenas is disqualified from holding any public office for 10 years and ordered to pay a civil reparation of S/6,000 to the State. Failure to adhere to these conditions could lead to the revocation of the suspended sentence and actual imprisonment.

This conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of corruption within Peru's justice system. The INPE, responsible for managing prisons, must maintain the highest standards of integrity, and cases like this highlight the ongoing efforts to root out misconduct and ensure the safety and fair treatment of both inmates and their families.

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You are served.