Rodrigo Ormeño, known as ‘El Mentolato’, faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison for crimes of robbery with violence and theft of wood. The hearing was rescheduled for March 7, 2024 due to a medical emergency by the defense attorney.
The trial against Rodrigo Ormeño, alias ‘El Mentolato’, and two other members of a gang accused of wood theft in the province of Arauco, Bío Bío region, postponed until March next year. The decision was made after the defense attorney for the main defendant suffered a health problem, which led to rescheduling the hearing for March 7, 2024 at the Oral Court of Cañete.
“El Mentolato” has a history of criminal behavior, risks a sentence of 20 years in prison. This sentence has been requested by both prosecutor Juan Yáñez and Forestal Arauco, who acts as plaintiff in the case. On the other hand, lesser sentences have been requested for the other two defendants, César Garcés and Freddy Riquelme.
Ormeño, 43, has been charged with crimes including robbery with violence, theft of wood and threats. His capture occurred during a Carabineros operation in the province of Arauco, where he even threatened police personnel.
In addition, an escape plan led by “El Mentolato” was thwarted in January of this year at the El Manzano prison in Concepción, where the use of explosives was contemplated.
“Mentolato” trial postponed due to medical emergency of defender
The magistrate Marcos Pincheira explained the reasons behind the rescheduling of the oral trial and confirmed the new date. She highlighted the importance of defense counsel’s health and the need to ensure a fair trial for all involved.
“One of the defense attorneys, who has represented one of the accused since the beginning of the procedure, suffered a medical emergency yesterday; that linked to other health records exposed and supported with the due reservation of this sensitive information, prevented him from exercising his functions,” said Pincheira.
