Sexual predators, cult leaders, and drug traffickers, 10 aspiring judges amid controversy

More than ten candidates for important positions in the Mexican judicial system have controversial backgrounds in their professional or personal history. Despite the allegations, they seek to play a key role in the administration of justice.

One of the candidates is Francisco Martín Hernández Zaragoza. His name appears on the list submitted by the Senate to the National Electoral Institute (INE). In 2015, he was removed from his position as a district judge after being accused of sexual harassment.

Another case is that of Fernando Escamilla Villarreal, who aspires to be a District Judge in Criminal Matters in Nuevo León. He is known for having legally defended Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, alias Z40, former leader of Los Zetas.

He is also linked to the defense of Eleazar Medina Rojas, alias El Chelelo, identified as a hitman for the Gulf Cartel.

Candidates with criminal records and controversial religious ties

Jesús Humberto Padilla Briones, candidate for a judicial position in Nuevo León, faces accusations for an incident that occurred in July 2023. At that time, he was arrested for alleged possession of a firearm and drug dealing.

The nomination of Job Daniel Wong Ibarra, an evangelist linked to the La Luz del Mundo Church, has sparked debate in Jalisco. He legally defended Naasón Joaquín García, former leader of that church, who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three minors.

Additionally, his candidacy is incompatible with the law. Ministers of any faith must formally resign from their ministry at least five years before holding a higher public office.

Aspirants linked to serious crimes and disappearances

In Hermosillo, Sonora, the inclusion of Nicollino Giuseppe Mariano Cangiamilla as a candidate for Magistrate has caused opposition. He is accused of irregularities in the death of Paula Josette Arizona, a young woman who died in January 2024 after visiting an inmate.

Another questioned candidate is Andrés Montoya García, aspiring to the Magistracy of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. His name has been linked to the disappearance of journalist Alfredo Jiménez Mota in 2005. Although he was never formally investigated, his connection to the case raises concern.

Jacqueline Silva Betancourt also appears on the list of candidates. She was suspended in March 2024 by the Federal Judiciary Council after being accused of detaining a court employee and demanding his resignation. In December of the same year, another administrative investigation for alleged workplace harassment was initiated.

Margarita Garzón Munguía seeks to be a Mixed District Judge for the Fifth Circuit of Sinaloa. In 2014, she was accused of running over and causing the death of a person while driving and applying makeup.

Finally, María del Socorro Pérez Córdova, candidate for Circuit Magistrate in Criminal Matters of Nuevo León, was removed from her position as Control Judge in 2017. The dismissal occurred after she ordered the release of three alleged rapists, arguing that the arrests were made by the victims' relatives and not by authorities.

All these cases fuel the debate about the suitability of the candidates and the need for greater transparency in the selection processes. It is vital to ensure that public servants in the administration of justice are people with an impeccable track record.

With these profiles, Mexican justice faces an unprecedented legitimacy crisis. The selection process has become an institutional risk.