A provincial appeals court has overturned a pretrial detention order in a high-profile case involving a school staff member accused of aggravated “corruption of minors” in Fray Luis Beltrán, Santa Fe. The defendant, 39, will now await trial in freedom after a judge replaced preventive custody with a bail set at 100 million pesos.
The case has drawn intense attention within the community linked to School No. 1085 “República de Colombia.” In recent weeks, a lower-court judge in San Lorenzo had ordered effective pretrial detention, citing procedural risks and the seriousness of the allegations presented by prosecutors.
Appeal court revokes preventive custody, families raise concerns
After the defense appealed, appellate judge Miguel Moreno ruled that the proceedings can continue with the defendant available to the court without the need for preventive incarceration, provided the bail is secured through the unusually large financial guarantee. The decision has sparked backlash from families involved in the case, who say they fear the suspect’s release could affect children’s testimony as the case moves toward an oral trial.
The investigation originated from accounts by sixth-grade students, around 11 years old. According to the case file as reported, the school porter allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations with children, encouraged abusive behavior among students, and exploited his position and proximity within the school environment.
Authorities said the defendant will not return to his job despite being released. Santa Fe’s Ministry of Education confirmed he remains suspended and is subject to an administrative disciplinary process that could result in dismissal regardless of the criminal outcome.
