Bonilla Acts to Avoid Arrest

Former Governor Bonilla, facing embezzlement allegations, submits notification address to State Attorney General’s Office to cooperate as parliamentary immunity ends. Ongoing investigation tied to suspicious Next Energy contract.

### To Avoid Arrest, Bonilla Submits Document for Receiving Notifications to the State Attorney General’s Office

Former Governor Jaime Bonilla Valdez, aware that he is under investigation for embezzlement and other illicit activities related to the handling of public funds during his administration, has submitted documents to the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) to designate an address where he can receive notifications.

On Friday, August 30, Bonilla Valdez’s legal representatives visited the offices of the FGE to present a two-page document in which he acknowledges the ongoing investigations against him. He states his willingness to cooperate with any legal requirements, as his term in the Senate of the Republic is coming to an end.

As of September 1, Bonilla Valdez will no longer have parliamentary immunity, having completed his term as a senator—a position where he attended few sessions, cast few votes, and introduced only two non-approved initiatives in six years.

The document, received at 4 p.m. on August 30, references case number NUC 02-2022-06977, which is connected to an investigation into the construction contract for a photovoltaic plant for the company Next Energy. This plant was meant to supply electricity to an aqueduct bringing water from the Colorado River to the coastal area of the state, a project involving a financial commitment of 44 billion pesos over 30 years.

“I hereby state that I have not committed any crime, as I have always led an honest life,” the document asserts. The document also provides an address in Tijuana for notifications, as well as an email address for virtual communications. Bonilla’s intention is to prevent an arrest warrant from being issued against him and to appear directly to provide any necessary evidence or explanations regarding his actions during his tenure as governor.

In recent weeks, two former officials from Bonilla Valdez’s administration have been prosecuted for criminal activities. Marco Antonio Blásquez faces charges of political violence based on gender against the state governor, while former SEPROA head Salomón Faz Apodaca was detained for failing to attend hearings for reparatory agreements. Multiple former officials linked to Bonilla are also under investigation related to the Next Energy contract.

### Additional News on the Topic

#### Allegations Against Jaime Bonilla: A Deeper Dive

The allegations against Jaime Bonilla have drawn significant attention. One of the major accusations revolves around the controversial contract with Next Energy to build a solar plant. The project faced criticism not only for its cost but also for the alleged irregularities in the contract’s approval and execution.

The Baja California government announced in July 2023 that it would nullify the contract with Next Energy, citing numerous deficiencies and legal issues. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda stated that the contract was disadvantageous for the state and would have resulted in substantial financial losses.

Furthermore, investigative reports revealed that internal audits uncovered potential misappropriation of funds and unethical behavior among officials involved in the deal. This discovery has led to increased scrutiny of Bonilla’s administration and its financial practices.

In response to these developments, Bonilla has maintained his innocence, emphasizing his belief in the transparency and integrity of his government while welcoming any official reviews or inquiries.

This unfolding story continues to have significant implications for Baja California’s political landscape and the public sector’s accountability. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

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