A panel of the Cotopaxi Provincial Court suspended the expiration of preventive detention for Mayor of Pujilí José Arroyo and ten other defendants accused of alleged embezzlement. The court ruled following a request from the Prosecutor's Office in the Ornato Municipal case.
The Prosecutor's Office stated that arrest warrants for the ten individuals were issued on August 9 of last year. Seven additional people received cautionary measures during initial proceedings. Prosecutors said defense lawyers caused continuous delays in the process.
Trial Schedule and Detention Details
The tribunal set the trial hearing to begin on August 18, 2026, following a decision in June to send Arroyo and other linked individuals to trial. Arroyo remains in the La Roca women's prison after registering female on an identity document and requesting to be treated as that gender upon arrest.
Municipal Contract Allegations
According to the Prosecutor's Office, Arroyo and other implicated individuals formed a structure that irregularly awarded municipal public works contracts for personal or third-party benefit. Investigators noted alleged irregularities in projects including two abstract art ovals in Pujilí, wild duck sculptures, and palm tree acquisitions. Authorities said construction began before contract awards using municipal personnel and materials, with Arroyo formally managing the contracts after taking office.
