Mexican Governor Accused by U.S. of Aiding Cartel Returns to His Post
Sinaloa Gov. Rubén Rocha Moya, accused by U.S. prosecutors of protecting the Sinaloa cartel, announced on Friday that he is resuming his duties after earlier saying he would step aside to focus on his defense.
Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, announced on Friday that he is returning to his official duties, reversing an earlier decision to temporarily step back from the post.
The governor's move follows accusations from U.S. prosecutors that he helped shield the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations. Prosecutors allege Rocha Moya provided some form of protection that benefited the cartel's operations.
After the accusations became public, Rocha Moya said he would step down temporarily to concentrate on defending himself against the claims. On Friday, however, he declared that he was back on the job.
The episode highlights ongoing concerns about the reach of organized crime into Mexican state and local politics, and raises questions about the extent to which public officials may be entangled with cartel activity. The Sinaloa cartel has long been identified as a major source of drug trafficking into the United States.
Further details on the status of any legal proceedings against Rocha Moya, or on his explanation for resuming his post, were not immediately available.
