Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) deputy for La Romana, Jacqueline Fernández reportedly served divorce papers on her husband, Esteffani José (Ethian) Vásquez Amarante, shortly after it became public knowledge that he is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges. The move would distance herself from her spouse as he faces the possibility of extradition.
El Nuevo Diario explains that the ruling party legislator served divorce papers on the same day her husband was requested and arrested by the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) for the extradition hearing at the Supreme Court of Justice.
The judges of the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) are scheduled to hear a request for a pretrial coercion measure, specifically preventive custody, against Vásquez Amarante on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. US authorities are seeking his extradition to face a case related to alleged drug trafficking in Puerto Rico.
Last week, the hearing was postponed after the judges (Fran Soto, María Garabito, and Deisis Montás) granted a request from Vásquez Amarante’s lawyer, Ricardo Sánchez, for more time to prepare the defense.
The Public Ministry will be represented by Court Prosecutor Osvaldo Bonilla (Head of International Legal Assistance and Extradition) and prosecutor Elvira Rodríguez. Analdi Alcántara will represent the United States, the requesting country.
Following the decision on the pretrial coercion measure, the High Court must set the date for the formal extradition proceedings.
Listin Diario reports that while deputy Fernández has filed the divorce petition, the couple remains legally married until the competent tribunal issues and publishes the final divorce decree in a national newspaper. The process for issuing the divorce resolution could take between three and six months from the date the petition was filed with the court.
Vásquez Amarante’s defense lawyer, Ricardo Sánchez, stated that his client was surprised by the judicial process. Sánchez also suggested that Vásquez Amarante could potentially surrender voluntarily, noting that “the one who has nothing done, has no suspicion” (“el que no tiene hecha, no tiene sospecha”). Sánchez claims his client is a merchant in La Romana who lends money and sells clothing.
A story in Listin Diario recalls how the ruling PRM imposed the candidacy of Jacqueline Fernandez for deputy for La Romana was imposed by the party despite the winner of the position being another woman. Listin Diario reports that her contender was given a consular position abroad.
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El Dia
Listin Diario
Diario Libre
El Nuevo Diario
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
DR1 News
18 November 2025