Guatemalan Judges Sanctioned for Misconduct, Including Unauthorized Minor Entry and Alcohol Use

Guatemala City, Guatemala – The Judicial Disciplinary Board has imposed sanctions on four judges from the department of Alta Verapaz following investigations into various administrative offenses. The infractions range from minor to grave, including the consumption of alcoholic beverages during working hours and the unauthorized entry of a minor into a judicial office.During a session held yesterday, the Board detailed the resolutions adopted after reviewing disciplinary files. The most serious case involves Judge Walter Fabricio Rosales, who is accused of allowing the unauthorized entry of a young person, allegedly a minor, into his chambers without passing through security controls. The Board stated that testimonies and records from a judicial protection process in favor of the minor exist. Due to this grave incident, the Board has recommended Judge Rosales's dismissal to the Judicial Career Council.Additionally, Judge José Alfredo Quiñones Lemus faces a recommendation for dismissal. He is attributed with two serious offenses committed within less than a year, a repeated behavior that contravenes Article 42 of the Judicial Career Law.Judge Luis Alejandro Paniagua received a 20-day suspension without pay. This sanction comes after it was proven that he held unauthorized meetings during working hours and mistreated staff under his charge.Finally, Judge William Arturo Chen Jat was issued a written warning for permitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages in his office, an action classified as a minor offense. The Board emphasized that once these resolutions acquire finality, they will be remitted to the Supreme Court of Justice for further action, noting that the appeals process is still available.