Last night, search operations continued in the town of 9 de Julio, focusing on the homes of two police officers, Noguera and Fernández. These searches followed five others conducted earlier in the day. Both officers previously worked alongside Commissioner Walter Maciel at the police station on June 13, the day when Loan Peña was last seen.
Noguera was the first to receive a photograph of the footprint just before the discovery of some crucial evidence. Federal judge Cristina Pozzer Penzo plans to question both officers in light of the investigation. As of now, 40 days have passed since the disappearance of the 5-year-old boy, and the magistrate is awaiting reports on the bank accounts of those arrested, their associates, and the minor’s family, along with potential connections among all suspects.
Currently, there are very few leads regarding the child’s whereabouts, and eight individuals have been arrested on charges of kidnapping: Antonio Benítez, Mónica Millapi, Daniel Ramírez, María Victoria Caillava, Carlos Pérez, Walter Maciel, Laudelina Peña, and Francisco Amado Méndez.
Walter Maciel has agreed to act as a cooperating defendant and plans to expand on his statement this Thursday. His lawyer, Miguel Ángel Pierri, indicated that while Maciel may not know Loan’s current location, he will provide substantial information regarding the investigation’s progression. Pierri noted that the judge is currently evaluating Maciel’s testimony.
After reporting threats against him, Maciel was transferred from the prison where he was being held. Pierri explained that they requested certain measures based on recommendations from a psychiatrist and a doctor who evaluated Maciel after his initial testimony. The doctor found Maciel to be under significant stress, leading to a change in his detention location due to security concerns.
During a more than seven-hour statement to Judge Pozzer Penzo, Maciel conveyed a detailed account of the events surrounding the investigation. His lawyer revealed that Maciel claimed not to have known Benítez, as he had only recently been appointed as commissioner in that area and was unfamiliar with various individuals involved in the case.
Pierri expressed his disapproval of the investigation, stating, “The only one seeking the truth was Maciel, and he is now imprisoned. Currently, the only one conducting a genuine investigation is the judge, who is also under scrutiny.” He firmly believes that there are forces attempting to keep Maciel out of the investigation, implying that he was perceived as a problem for the inquiry.
In addition to the searches conducted on Monday, federal authorities also examined the home of Jorge Bertón, the son of Victoria Caillava, a former municipal official who has been arrested in connection with Loan’s disappearance. Law enforcement also inspected a white truck parked at the property along with a boat and a swimming pool.
Bertón’s name surfaced when Caillava and retired Navy captain Carlos Pérez were detained as part of the ongoing investigation. A neighbor had reported seeing Bertón retrieve his mother’s boat, fearing it would be vandalized.
Moreover, a witness reported seeing a truck speeding near the alley connecting to El Algarrobal on June 13, the day Loan went missing. Detectives also searched the residence of Cristian Bertón, Caillava’s former brother-in-law, who also owns a white truck.
Attention has also been drawn to Méndez, a retired police officer who was arrested following a confrontation between the boy’s aunt and the case judge. It was revealed that Maciel had noted Méndez as an “informant” in his phone contacts.
Laudelina, the boy’s relative, mentioned, “The last time I saw Loan was when he passed through the gate with the other children. I didn’t see a truck hit him, but it’s possible he was taken by someone and delivered. It could have been Ramírez, Méndez, or anyone else.”
Méndez played a vital role in the discovery of Loan’s belongings, having been present at the scene and promptly informing Maciel about the find. His previous experience as an officer allowed him to manage the situation effectively. After ensuring the area was secure, he left, claiming that his part in the procedure was complete.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2024/07/23/busqueda-de-loan-walter-maciel-pidio-ampliar-su-declaracion-y-fue-trasladado-de-penal-tras-denunciar-amenazas/
