“Phantom Asphalt” Case: Jhonny Fernández Avoids House Arrest as Bail Falls to Bs 50,000

Former Santa Cruz de la Sierra mayor Jhonny Fernández no longer faces house arrest, and his bail has fallen from Bs 500,000 to Bs 50,000 in the case known as “phantom asphalt.”

The city government said it would appeal the decision. José Coplot, the municipality’s director of legal affairs, said a hearing had modified Fernández’s precautionary measures and that both the municipal government and the Public Prosecutor’s Office had filed appeals for a higher court to review the ruling.

Fernández is being prosecuted over alleged irregularities in paving works planned for 102 kilometers. According to the municipality, some of the sections included in the project do not have the asphalt works that were supposed to be completed.

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This case is about the phantom asphalt, as we call it.

“This case is about the phantom asphalt, as we call it,” Coplot said. He added that the municipality would continue the legal proceedings and present the necessary evidence. He said any public official or civil servant who misused municipal or state resources must answer before the courts.

The municipal official said the case would proceed under the law and that the appeals sought a review of the decision by a higher judicial instance.

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Anyone who misused state resources has to answer for it, and we are doing what the law requires.