Influencer Epa Colombia Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for transmilenio Station Damage
On January 27, 2025, the Supreme Court of Justice ratified a five-year and two-month prison sentence for influencer Daneidy Barrera, widely known as Epa Colombia. The ruling stems from her involvement in the destruction of the TransMilenio Station ‘Los Molinos’ during the 2019 protests.
In an emotional video shared on her social media, Epa Colombia tearfully announced the arrest warrant issued against her. “Friends, I’m very sad. I came to work all day at the hairdresser. When I was leaving, the CTI arrived… They told me I had an arrest warrant,” she said, visibly distraught. Authorities were reportedly waiting outside her hairdressing salon, ready to escort her to the Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident dates back to 2019 when Epa Colombia was captured on video destroying a TransMilenio station with a hammer and encouraging her followers to join in. The Supreme Court deemed her actions a serious crime, leading to the harsh sentence.
Despite her legal team’s efforts to avoid incarceration, Epa Colombia was transferred to the detention center ’El Buen Pastor.’ From there, she pleaded for a second chance, emphasizing her contributions to society. “I asked them to give me a second amiable chance because I generated employment, thousands of people depend on me,” she stated.
Over the years, Epa Colombia has worked to compensate for her mistakes, building businesses that employ many and contribute to the community. “Throughout the years, I have struggled to compensate for my mistakes and contribute to the community through my companies,” she said. However,her appeals for leniency were unsuccessful.
The influencer expressed her desire to collaborate with TransMilenio on campaigns to make amends. “I wanted to do thousands of things, but they have heard me nowhere. I want them to give me the chance,” she added.
Key Details of the case
Table of Contents
| Detail | Information |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Name | Daneidy barrera (Epa Colombia) |
| Sentence | 5 years and 2 months |
| crime | Destruction of TransMilenio Station ‘Los Molinos’ |
| Date of Arrest | January 27, 2025 |
| Detention Center | ‘El Buen Pastor’ |
| Appeal Status | Denied |
Epa Colombia’s case has sparked widespread debate about accountability and second chances. While her supporters argue for leniency, the court’s decision underscores the gravity of her actions.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage here.
Influencer Epa Colombia Sentenced to Prison for TransMilenio Station Damage: A Conversation with Legal Expert Dr. María González
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Colombia has sentenced influencer Daneidy Barrera, known as Epa Colombia, to five years and two months in prison for her role in the destruction of the TransMilenio Station ‘Los Molinos’ during the 2019 protests. The case has ignited debates about accountability, rehabilitation, and the legal consequences of public actions. To unpack the complexities of this case, we sat down with dr. María González, a legal expert specializing in criminal law and judicial processes in Colombia.
The Legal Basis for the Sentence
Senior editor: Dr. González, coudl you explain the legal reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision to sentence Epa Colombia to over five years in prison?
Dr.María gonzález: Absolutely. The court’s decision was grounded in the severity of the crime: the intentional destruction of public property. Under Colombian law, such acts are classified as serious offenses because they disrupt public services and undermine societal order. The video evidence showing Epa Colombia using a hammer to damage the transmilenio station was pivotal. The court emphasized that her actions not only caused material harm but also incited others to join in, exacerbating the situation. This dual role—direct participation and encouragement of others—played a significant part in the harsh sentencing.
The Role of Public Influence
Senior Editor: Epa Colombia is a well-known influencer. How did her public persona factor into the court’s decision?
Dr. María González: Her influence was a critical element. The court noted that as a public figure with a substantial following,her actions carried weight beyond the immediate physical damage. By encouraging her followers to join in, she amplified the impact of the crime. This raised questions about the duty influencers have when using their platforms. The court’s stance was clear: public figures must be held accountable for the consequences of their actions, especially when they incite unlawful behavior.
Appeals and Mitigating Factors
Senior Editor: Epa Colombia’s legal team attempted to appeal the sentence, citing her contributions to society and efforts at compensation. Why were these appeals unsuccessful?
Dr. María González: While her team highlighted her entrepreneurial ventures and community contributions,the court maintained that these factors,though commendable,did not mitigate the gravity of the crime. The destruction of public property is seen as a direct attack on the community’s resources and infrastructure. Additionally, the court emphasized that accountability must be consistent, nonetheless of an individual’s social or economic standing.Her appeals for leniency were ultimately deemed insufficient to overturn the sentence.
The Broader Implications
Senior Editor: What broader lessons can be drawn from this case for public figures and the legal system?
Dr. María González: This case underscores the importance of accountability, especially for those with significant public influence. It sends a clear message that actions, especially those that harm the public, will have legal consequences. For the legal system, it highlights the need for consistent enforcement of laws to maintain public trust. It also sparks a necessary conversation about rehabilitation and second chances—how society balances punishment with opportunities for redemption.
Epa Colombia’s future
Senior Editor: Epa Colombia expressed a desire to collaborate with TransMilenio on campaigns to make amends. Do you see this as a realistic possibility?
Dr. María González: While her willingness to make amends is commendable, her ability to do so will depend on the terms of her sentence and the willingness of TransMilenio to engage with her.Collaboration could be a constructive step toward reconciliation, but it would require careful planning and mutual agreement. Though, given the court’s firm stance, any such initiatives would likely occur only after she has served a significant portion of her sentence.
Conclusion
The case of epa Colombia serves as a stark reminder of the legal and societal responsibilities that come with public influence. Dr.María gonzález’s insights highlight the nuances of the judicial process and the broader implications for accountability and rehabilitation. as this story continues to unfold, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point for discussions about justice, influence, and the balance between punishment and second chances.
