Itanhomi, Brazil – A former mayor of Itanhomi, a municipality in the Rio Doce Valley, has been convicted at the age of 82 for a series of crimes, including homicide committed in 2011, the attempted murder of two other individuals, and participation in a criminal association. The Minas Gerais Public Prosecution Service (MPMG) announced the sentence, totaling 25 years and three months in prison, for the man who was initially elected in 1988.

Due to his advanced age and health condition, the former mayor is currently under house arrest. His trial took place at the 1st civil, Criminal and Criminal Executions of the District of Conselheiro Pena, also located in the Rio Doce Valley.

Criminal Organization Unveiled

according to the MPMG, investigations revealed that the defendant was a key member of a criminal organization known as family, which consisted of farmers, politicians, businessmen, military police and civilian agents who committed crimes of extortion, active and passive corruption, concussion (when a public servant requires improper advantage due to his position) and homicides.

The prosecution detailed how the organization convened periodically to authorize homicide orders within the region.

The 2011 ambush and Its Aftermath

the MPMG stated that in 2011,the group articulated ambush against a suspect of theft on the defendant’s farm. One of the members of the organization brokered the hiring of crime executors. The reward for the target’s death was reportedly $50,000.

Though, the plan went awry. At the time, three executors organized themselves for the murder, but they got confused and killed the brother of the one who would be the victim, besides injuring two other people who were at the ambush site, the agency reported. The perpetrators were apprehended while attempting to flee to a neighboring municipality.

Legal Battles and Jury Annulment

The Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) provided crucial support during the investigations.

In 2013, the hired killers were initially tried, but suspicions arose that jurors had been bribed and witnesses intimidated. the MPMG appealed, leading to the annulment of the jury’s verdict.

The case has since been divided, and further trials are expected for other members of the criminal organization.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The dismemberment of the complaint means that justice is still being sought for all individuals involved in this extensive criminal network. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with more judgments expected for other members of the organization.