Former Boss of Mexico's Teachers' Union Ordered to Stand Trial Angop
go to original March 5, 2013

MEXICO CITY - A judge on Monday ruled there was enough evidence to prosecute the charismatic former boss of Mexico's teachers' union for allegedly embezzling around $200 million in union funds, and ordered her to remain in jail ahead of her trial.

Alejandro Caballero Vertiz, Mexico city's sixth federal court judge, said in a statement on Monday night that evidence of misuse of funds by Elba Esther Gordillo, 68, was strong enough to merit trial and continued incarceration.

"The evidence considered so far is sufficient," he said in a statement, adding Gordillo and her associates "allegedly transferred money from various bank accounts in the name of the National Union of Education Workers to personal accounts between 2009 and 2012."

Gordillo faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Under Mexican law, she could apply for a move from jail to house arrest when she turns 70.

Gordillo has publicly denied the allegations of corruption leveled against her in previous interviews, and said in 2002 her wealth came from an inheritance from a grandfather.

One of her lawyers declined to comment to Reuters on Monday.

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