Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses

In a landmark ruling, a U.S. judge has sentenced former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to 45 years in prison for his conviction on drug and firearm offenses. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel on Wednesday, is likely to keep Hernandez behind bars for the rest of his life, unless his expected appeal succeeds.

Hernandez, 55, was found guilty in March by a Manhattan jury of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect U.S.-bound cocaine shipments belonging to traffickers he once publicly proclaimed to combat. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, while defense lawyers argued that a 40-year term, the mandatory minimum under federal law, was sufficient.

In his ruling, Judge Castel emphasized that the 45-year sentence should serve as a warning to well-educated, seemingly personable defendants who may believe they are insulated from prosecution. He also noted that jurors saw through Hernandez's "polished demeanor" during the two-week trial, where he took the stand in his own defense. "They saw him for what he was: a two-faced politician hungry for power," Castel said in Manhattan federal court.

Hernandez led Honduras, a U.S. ally in Central America, from 2014 to 2022. Prosecutors alleged that he facilitated shipments of at least 400 tons of cocaine to the United States, fueling addiction and violence. They also claimed that Hernandez used drug money to bribe officials and manipulate voting during Honduras' 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.

Why it Matters : The sentencing of Hernandez marks a significant milestone in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking in Central America. It sends a strong message that political leaders who engage in illegal activities will be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence. The case also highlights the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities, with prosecutors alleging that Hernandez's actions contributed to addiction and violence in the United States.

At his sentencing hearing, Hernandez denied taking bribes and claimed he fought the cartels during his presidency. Wearing olive green prison clothing, he said he had been wrongfully convicted and singled out testimony from several convicted traffickers who testified that they bribed him, saying they were trying to reduce their own punishments and exact revenge. "Despite everything done to me, which is an outrage and a lynching, I am an optimist and I know that the truth will be known later," Hernandez told Castel through a Spanish interpreter prior to being sentenced.

After being sentenced, Hernandez faced journalists seated in the jury box and said "soy inocente," Spanish for "I am innocent." He used a cane as U.S. marshals led him out of the courtroom. Hernandez has been jailed in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his April 2022 extradition from Tegucigalpa. Judge Castel said he would let Hernandez stay there for now while he appeals.

Hernandez's younger brother, Tony Hernandez, was sentenced to life in prison in March 2021 following his conviction on drug charges. He has been imprisoned in California.

Key Takeaways:

• Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug and firearm offenses.
• Hernandez was found guilty of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect U.S.-bound cocaine shipments.
• The sentence is likely to keep Hernandez behind bars for the rest of his life, unless his appeal succeeds.
• The case highlights the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities and the need for accountability among political leaders.
• Hernandez's sentencing marks a significant milestone in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking in Central America.