Honduran President’s Brother, Tony Hernández, Found Guilty of Drug Trafficking

Honduran President, Juan Orlando Hernández. IMAGE: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juan_Orlando_Hern%C3%A1ndez_at_a_conference.jpg

Tony Hernández, brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, was convicted by a New York jury on multiple charges.

After his arrest by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorities last November, Tony Hernández faced charges including drug trafficking, weapon possession, and making a false statement. Five witnesses were brought forward to testify against Hernández, all drug traffickers and former cartel leaders. Many politicians’ names were also brought up during Hernández’s trial, as the witnesses claimed these representatives accepted bribes in exchange for protection. 

Former Honduran mayor and drug trafficker Alexander Ardón detailed in his testimony how Tony Hernández received a million dollars from ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, which later went towards President Hernández’s presidential campaign. Chang Monroy also came forward, and explained how he sold 600 kilos of cocaine stamped with the initials ‘TH’. He also confessed that Hernández sold him 40 M16 rifles, which he then sold to the Sinaloa Cartel. Among the testimonies were many more accusations against both Tony Hernández and his brother. 

Hernández has declared his innocence and decided not to testify. Now, he faces a minimum sentence of 30 years, which could go up to a life sentence. The judge will decide Hernández’s sentence on January 17th of next year. Hernández’s defense lawyer, Omar Malone, declared their plan to appeal the conviction, stating: “We believe that despite the jury’s good efforts the verdict reached is inconsistent with the truth… the legal battle continues”. Defense lawyer Michael Tain has also stated, “In our opinion the witnesses lied… they’re liars, killers, the worst of the worst”. 

Salvador Nasralla, former presidential candidate, called for protests to push for President Hernández’s resignation. Hondurans have previously taken to the streets to protest the presidency, and following Hernández’s verdict, protests have since intensified, especially in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. Protesters also stood outside the New York courtroom as Hernández’s verdict was announced.