Lawyer sentenced for soliciting 800 soles by claiming influence with Callao judge to free suspect

A Peruvian lawyer, Jacinto Salinas, has received a suspended prison sentence of four years and four months for influence peddling. The Supraprovincial Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Crimes of Corruption of Officials secured the conviction against Salinas, who was found guilty of exploiting alleged ties to a judge in Callao to benefit a suspect in an attempted homicide case.

According to the prosecution's investigation, Salinas solicited 800 soles (approximately $215 USD) from two women. He allegedly claimed he could intervene with the judge to extend the investigation period and alter the victim's testimony, aiming for the accused's release from pretrial detention. The case was presented by assistant provincial prosecutor Mari Carmen Honorio Vidal.

Key evidence presented by the prosecution included legally authorized wiretaps, which captured Salinas's voice, along with expert reports from the Public Ministry and the testimony of one of the complainants. This victim confirmed handing over the money at the convicted lawyer's office.

In addition to the suspended prison term, Salinas is barred from public office for four years and four months. He has also been ordered to pay 213 daily fines, totaling 5,325 soles (approximately $1,435 USD), and 30,000 soles (approximately $8,100 USD) in civil damages to the state. The Public Ministry emphasized that this case reinforces the ongoing fight against corruption within the justice system, highlighting the need for legal processes to adhere strictly to principles of legality, ethics, and transparency.