by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Substack
SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Feb 6 – After the president of Honduras' brother Tony Hernandez was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to life plus thirty years, on April 21, 2022 the ex-president himself, Juan Orlando Hernandez, was extradited to the United States.
[Espanol aqui]
On December 19, 2023 as to co-defendant Tigre Bonilla, Judge Castel ruled: "ORDER as to Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares; The trial of this action has been long set for February 5, 2024. The Court does not anticipate moving that trial date or granting a severance."
It was moved to February 6. After Pineda plead guilty, on February 6 on no notice, and with Inner City Press the only media in the courtroom, Tigre Bonilla pled guilty. Thread:
All rise!
Judge Castel: Mr. Bonilla, I understand you wish to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to import cocaine?
Tigre Bonilla: Si, honorable juez.
Tigre Bonilla: Esto es dificil. Judge Castel: Is your mind clear? Bonilla: Si honorable juez. [Yes] I have agreed to plead guilty.
Tigre Bonilla: The offer arrived yesterday, I asked God for direction...I am ready.
Judge: Mr Bonilla please tell me what you did. Tigre Bonilla: I helped with some in the drug trafficking business, quantity five kilos or more, I knew it was bad and had consequences.
Judge Castel: How do you plead? Tigre Bonilla: Guilty / culpable.
Judge: I accept your plea. Sentencing set for June 25.
More details on X for subscribers here and Substack here
The case is US v. Diaz Morales, et al., 15-cr-379 (Castel)
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