Father of Agostina Páez jailed for 1.5 million pesos theft

Mariano Páez, the 58-year-old father of Agostina Páez, and his partner, María Emilia Soledad Batule, remain jailed in Santiago del Estero following the October 10 theft of 1.5 million pesos from a hardware store in Termas de Río Hondo, infobae.com reported.

Security footage captures the counter maneuver

Security cameras inside the Lo Bruno construction materials store recorded the sequence of events between 12:15 and 12:40 on October 10. Judicial sources confirmed the authenticity of the footage to infobae.com, showing a cashier counting cash bundles and separating funds near a customer service window. Investigators state that Páez exploited a distraction to reach through the opening and take the money before handing it to Batule. While the physical reach is partially obscured by the window structure, investigators identified Páez using auxiliary security angles.

Police seize cash and vehicle in Alberdi raid

Police arrested both suspects during an operation at a home on Alvear Street in the Alberdi neighborhood of the capital city. Officers seized 632,600 pesos in cash, a Toyota RAV4, and specific items of clothing linked to the investigation following authorization from Control and Guarantee Silvio Salice at the request of prosecutor Emanuel Sabater.

Both suspects are scheduled for a court appearance before prosecutor Sabater. Defense counsel Sebastián Robles announced plans to request the immediate release of his clients during the hearing.

Judicial opposition to release

Judicial sources indicated to infobae.com that the prosecution intends to oppose the release requests, leaving the final decision on continued detention to the Control and Guarantee Judge. Under Article 162 of the Argentine Penal Code, the charge of theft carries a prison sentence ranging from one month to two years.

Public context surrounding the family

The case has drawn broader public attention due to the family connection to Agostina Páez. The younger Páez gained public notoriety following her detention in Brazil earlier in the year regarding a racial injury case, prior to her return to Argentina in April.