Honduras Ex-First Lady Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison For Corruption

For the second time, a Honduran judge sentenced former Honduran First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo to prison. She is now serving a 14-year sentence for being found guilty of corruption. As the first lady, Bonilla de Lobo embezzled over $1 million in government funds from 2010 until 2014.

This is the second trial involving the former first lady, as she was previously found guilty and sentenced to 58 years in prison. The conviction was tossed out due to reported inconsistencies in the process. She then had a re-trial in March and was convicted of fraud and embezzlement. The 14-year sentence levied upon her is the result of that trial.

According to the Associated Press, the former first lady of Honduras now has 20 days to appeal the sentence. Juan Berganza, the attorney representing her, said he would appeal the sentence.

What Did First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo Do?

The Honduras Public Ministry revealed that Bonilla de Lobo spent around 12.2 million lempiras, or around $560,000, on personal credit card payments, as well as her children's school fees and real estate construction. The Standard reported that the money she spent was originally meant for low-income children.

The former first lady's sentencing was a unanimous decision. She was sentenced to seven years for fraud and another six years, two months, and 20 days for misappropriation of funds, making it a total of 14 years, one month, and five days in prison for her.

In addition, she was also ordered to pay a fine of over $560,000 in order to pay back the government funds she embezzled.

Bonilla de Lobo is now also disqualified for subsidies, public aid, and contracting with the public sector. In addition, she will not be able to enjoy benefits, tax incentives, and social security due to her prison sentence, according to DW.

Corruption Also Runs in the Family as Former President Porfirio Lobo Also Known To Be Corrupt

Her husband, former Honduras President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, is also involved in corrupt practices and is even linked to the illegal drug trade. Last year, the United States even barred him from entering the country due to him having allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking.

Extrajudicial killings also marred the Lobo presidency, as eight journalists and ten members of the political group known as the National Popular Resistance Front (FNRP) were killed during his tenure. He served from January 2010 until January 2014, following a military coup that ousted then-President Manuel Zelaya.

However, his biggest red flag while in office was his drug trafficking connections. His son, Fabio Lobo Bonilla, was arrested in Haiti during a sting operation by the United States. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2015. He pleaded guilty to attempting to import cocaine into the United States. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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