Judge Olga María Erazo resumed the preparatory hearing for irregularities in PAE contracts during the pandemic, involving former mayor Gorky Muñoz Calderón. Despite his dismissal and disqualification, Muñoz registered as a Senate candidate. The criminal process advances slowly, raising concerns about potential delays.
The corruption case against Neiva's former mayor, Gorky Muñoz Calderón, has gained new momentum after Judge Olga María Erazo of the Sixth Criminal Circuit Court resumed the preparatory hearing. The case focuses on irregularities in the School Feeding Program (PAE) contracts during the pandemic, uncovered five years, three months, and 13 days ago. The contracts, awarded directly for 8.8 billion pesos, favored companies linked to Muñoz's political financiers, without checking market prices or firm backgrounds.
Muñoz, dismissed and disqualified for nine years and six months by the Prosecutor's Office—a measure ratified by the Disciplinary Chamber—faces charges for improper contract execution, undue interest in contracts, and violations of ineligibility rules. Alongside him are his Education Secretary, Giovanny Córdoba, legal advisors Juan Felipe Molano and Andrés Camacho, and contractors like the Corporación Colombiana en Paz y Social. The Prosecutor's Office accuses homogeneous and successive conduct with intent, affecting funds for 105,000 low-income students in Neiva.
Despite the sanctions, Muñoz registered as a Senate candidate on November 28, backed by the La Fuerza party in a list led by Gustavo García, holding position 49. This bid sparks controversy, as a review appeal in the Council of State remains stalled. The hearing was suspended due to defense objections, drawing criticism for delays.
Judicial prosecutor Gerson Avilés voiced concerns: “We are two years and four months since the accusation, and at this rate, by 2026 the preparatory hearing won't even conclude.” Judge Erazo scheduled new dates for January, noting her office's backlog and the need for speed, though the defense announced potential recusals. From the imputation in April 2022, three years, seven months, and 11 days have passed without major progress.