As reported in the media over the weekend, it is now publicly known that Luis Ernesto de León, the husband of Carmen Magalys Medina Sánchez, who is sister of former President Danilo Medina, was the general manager of EdeEste, the government power utility. As reported, EdeEste gave priority to contracting with companies owned by Carmen Magalys Medina’s younger brother, Juan Alexis Medina.
Carmen Magalys Medina Sánchez was last week ordered to house arrest as part of coercive measures as incriminations against her for complicity with government procurement irregularities are investigated by the Justice Department. Medina Sánchez was the director of the Patrimonial Fund for Capitalized Enterprises, a government entity that authorized millions to companies now tied to her younger brother. She is also accused of funding a foundation managed by her sister, Lucia Medina, with RD$78 million.
Mines and Energy Minister Antonio Almonte said recently that De Leon was part of family clan operations. De León was in charge of EdeEste for the full eight years of the Medina administration.
The Justice Department is investigating the relationship of the Medina Sánchez family and state contracting operations. Almonte has also said the Justice Department is investigating the involvement of Maxy and Alexander Montilla, brothers in law of former President Danilo Medina, in major contracting for state-owned power utilities.
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13 December 2020