A central Colombia judge has ruled that a boss of Medellin-based crime syndicate “Oficina de Envigado” can serve his 21-year sentence at home, local media reported Thursday.
“Cesarin”, a former member of paramilitary organization AUC and the former second-in-command of one of Medellin’s oldest criminal organizations, was arrested in November 2009 and sentenced to 20 years and nine months in prison for aggravated homicide, possession of illegal firearms and conspiracy.
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However, the crime lord’s defense attorney successfully claimed his client should serve his sentence at home as his daughter is undergoing psychological therapy.
Consequently, the man who is suspected of having controlled more than 50 gangs during an urban turf war that killed thousands can leave his maximum security prison and spend the bulk of his penalty at home.
Cesarin, who’s real name is Hernan Dario Giraldo, was a member of the AUC’s Cacique Nutibara block until its demobilization in 2003. Having entered the AUC demobilization program, the former paramilitary evaded prison and continued working for the Oficina de Envigado, which was controlled by “Don Berna,” the same paramilitary commander who ran the Oficina.
Don Berna was extradited to the United States in May 2008 without the legally necessary approval of Colombia’s Supreme Court. His demobilization led to a war between faction of the Oficina that killed more than 2,000 Medellin residents between 2008 and 2010. The was was eventually lost by “Valenciano,” the immediate superior of Cesarin.