MEXICO CITY (AP) – The governor of Sinaloa state, Rubén Rocha Moya, announced his decision to temporarily resign amid serious legal accusations against him. He, along with nine other officials, has been charged with drug trafficking in a significant indictment that has jolted the political landscape in Mexico. This indictment links them to the notorious Sinaloa cartel and alleges that they helped facilitate drug smuggling into the United States in exchange for substantial bribes.
In a video announcement made late on Friday, Rocha, a prominent member of Mexico's ruling progressive party, Morena, firmly denied any wrongdoing. “My conscience is clear,” he stated, emphasizing his integrity and commitment to his constituents. “To my people and to my family, I can look you in the eye because I have never betrayed you, and I never will.”
Despite his declaration of innocence, Rocha specified that he would take a “temporary leave” from his role as governor. He plans to defend himself against what he labeled as “false and malicious” accusations and indicated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation being conducted under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration. The investigation aims to determine whether Rocha should face arrest or be extradited to the United States.
President Sheinbaum has faced a challenging task of balancing party interests and responding to external pressures, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who called for a stronger crackdown on drug cartels. So far, Sheinbaum has declined to send Rocha to the U.S., citing a lack of credible evidence against him. She assured that Mexican authorities would conduct an independent investigation to gather more information on the allegations.
Rocha, a close ally of Sheinbaum's mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has characterized the indictment as a politically motivated attack against their left-leaning political movement. He asserted, “I will not allow myself to be used to harm the movement to which I belong – one that has improved the lives of millions of Mexican men and women.”
As governor, Rocha currently enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution in Mexico. For him to face legal charges, impeachment by Mexico's Congress would be required first.
This situation places both Rocha and Sheinbaum in a complex political juncture, as they navigate significant legal and ethical challenges while also addressing public sentiment and party loyalty in a nation where drug-related violence has been an ongoing concern.
