The Public Ministry’s Femicide Unit successfully obtained a verdict from the Seventh Criminal Court for Drug Trafficking and Environmental Crimes, sentencing seven former officials involved in the Hogar Seguro «Virgen de la Asunción» case.

After 20 months of evidence gathering, single-judge Ingrid Cifuentes issued the ruling concerning the deaths of 41 adolescents and injuries sustained by 15 others.

The court sentenced Carlos Antonio Rodas Mejía, former Secretary of the Secretariat of Social Welfare of the Presidency, and Santos Torres Ramírez, former Director of Hogar Seguro «Virgen de la Asunción,» to 25 years imprisonment each.

Additionally, Brenda Julissa Chamán Pacay, former Head of the Department against Abuse in All Its Forms at HSVA, received a 17-year sentence; Lucinda Eva Marina Marroquín Carrillo, former Sub-Inspector of the National Civil Police (PNC), was sentenced to 13 years; Luis Armando Pérez Borja, former PNC Commissioner, received 11 years; and Gloria Patricia Castro Gutiérrez, former Children’s Defender at the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office—who was also removed from her position—was sentenced to 6 years.

The convictions cover crimes including child abuse, dereliction of duty, abuse of authority, and involuntary manslaughter. Charges for negligent injury were consolidated under involuntary manslaughter.

Harold Augusto Flores Valenzuela, former Head of the Children’s Office at the Attorney General’s Office, was acquitted of all charges.

The reparations hearing is scheduled for August 14, 2025.

Guatemala, August 13, 2025