Honduras Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez Faces 45 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

A defiant Honduras ex-President, Juan Orlando Hernandez, was sentenced Wednesday to 45 years in prison for conspiring with drug traffickers to ensure over 400 tons of cocaine reached the United States.

US District Judge P. Kevin Castel handed down the sentence, along with an $8 million fine, emphasizing that the penalty should serve as a warning to powerful individuals who think they are above the law, Politico reports.

Hernandez was convicted in March after a two-week trial in Manhattan federal court.

The case was closely followed in his home country, where many were shocked by the outcome.

"I am innocent," Hernandez declared through an interpreter at sentencing. "I was wrongly and unjustly accused."

Courtroom Drama and Hernandez's Defense

During his sentencing, Honduras ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez delivered a lengthy statement, frequently interrupted by Judge P. Kevin Castel, who reminded him it was not the time to relitigate the trial.

Hernandez claimed to be a hero in the fight against drug trafficking, asserting that he collaborated with US authorities under three administrations.

However, the judge pointed out that evidence showed Hernandez used "considerable acting skills" to present himself as an anti-drug crusader while protecting the drug trade with Honduras' police and military.

Castel described him as a "two-faced politician hungry for power" who shielded select traffickers.

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence plus 30 years.

Hernandez, 55, served two terms as president of Honduras and was extradited to the US in 2022.

US prosecutors alleged he worked with drug traffickers since 2004, accepting millions in bribes. Hernandez denied taking bribes and claimed his trial was unjust.

US Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu called the sentencing an important step against drug trafficking's social consequences.

Hernandez's wife, Ana Garcia, decried the sentencing as a "judicial lynching" and expressed hope for an appeal.

Witnesses, including traffickers, testified that Hernandez protected major cocaine dealers like Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, according to CBS News.

Judge Castel emphasized that Hernandez received a fair trial, detailing evidence of his guilt and the murders linked to the drug trade during his career.

Hernandez's Political Career and Downfall

Honduras ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who served from 2014 to 2022, was accused by the Justice Department of using his power to extradite certain drug traffickers while protecting those who supported him.

Prosecutors said the Honduran National Police were involved in protecting cocaine shipments.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Hernandez abused his position to run Honduras as a "narco-state."

Despite Hernandez's defense claiming he cooperated with US authorities, the judge noted his use of "considerable acting skills" to hide his true intentions.

Hernandez's legal team plans to appeal his conviction.

He was found guilty of facilitating the smuggling of around 500 tons of cocaine to the US since 2004, using drug money for personal enrichment, political campaigns, and electoral fraud.

Several convicted traffickers testified to bribing him.

Hernandez's conviction aligns with other Latin American leaders, such as Panama's Manuel Noriega and Guatemala's Alfonso Portillo.

He closely worked with the Sinaloa Cartel. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized that Hernandez's case proves no one is above the law.

In March, a Manhattan jury found him guilty of accepting bribes to protect US-bound cocaine shipments, Aljazeera noted.

The sentencing was seen as a rare moment of accountability in Honduras.

Hernandez denied the accusations, but evidence led to his conviction and lengthy prison sentence, highlighting the extensive reach of drug cartels and government corruption.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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