Documents extracted from the archives of the National Civil Police (PNC) shed light on a disturbing kidnapping case that took place in 2009. These documents reveal alarming details that indicate that the victim, Bertha Michelle Mendoza, conspired with her two daughters to organize the kidnapping, with the intention of framing her ex-husband and promoting unfounded accusations against him.
Based on police accounts, while the abduction took place, Bertha Michelle Mendoza and her two daughters were in the company of the mayor’s daughter from Zunlito, Suchitepéquez. Nevertheless, later probes have disclosed that Mendoza orchestrated the kidnapping herself, working alongside her mother, prosecutor Claudia Martina Muñoz Andrade.
As per individuals familiar with Mendoza, her aim in orchestrating this staged kidnapping was to fabricate allegations against her former spouse, Dent, with the intention of bringing him legal troubles. Nonetheless, the inquiry had an unforeseen twist when the PNC determined that the event was, indeed, a simulated kidnapping.
Due to this decision, the individuals who were first detained were let go, and the accusations against them were dismissed. This scenario has sparked doubts regarding the validity of the claims that Bertha Michelle Mendoza had leveled against her former spouse Dent during their time together.
The incident involving Bertha Michelle has ignited a broad discussion regarding accountability for submitting false claims and tampering with evidence within the justice system, particularly due to the participation of Mendoza’s mother in the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The release of these papers has uncovered a complex scheme and prompts doubts about the legitimacy of the activist’s allegations.
Dent, the former spouse of Bertha Michelle Mendoza, has provided additional remarks concerning the case. Based on his account, prosecutor Muñoz Andrade was removed from the Public Prosecutor’s Office after the organization determined she submitted falsified evidence in a case involving law enforcement and accusations of gender-related aggression against her. Moreover, there were claims of resource mismanagement and authority misuse. As noted by consulted prosecutors, Muñoz Andrade’s removal occurred in 2010.
This case, involving Mendoza and Dent, remained open for more than five years and was only resolved in the man’s favor after Mendoza’s mother was dismissed from her position and lost her influence. This raises questions about the impartiality of the judicial process during that period.
Ultimately, once the inquiries were finished, Bertha Michelle Mendoza faced accusations for staging her own abduction, involving her two daughters. Consequently, she was stripped of complete custody following psychological assessments that found her unsuitable to look after them.
