After four months in prison, Arnaldo Domínguez, former right-hand man of Joaquín Lavín, is free

Arnaldo Domínguez, former right-hand man of former deputy Joaquín Lavín León, was released from prison after four months in custody following a court hearing at the Seventh Criminal Court of Santiago. The hearing took place on Tuesday morning, during which the court reviewed precautionary measures against Domínguez, who had been detained since May 4. Initially held in Santiago 1 and later transferred to the Captain Yáber Penitentiary Annex, he will now remain under total home detention in his residence in the commune of El Monte. He will also be subject to national residency requirements and prohibited from communicating with other co-defendants. The court granted the defense’s request to temporarily suspend these restrictions so that Domínguez can accompany his son to various therapies. His legal team, led by prosecutors Pablo Araya Zacarías and Esteban Olivares, argued that the measure was proportional and fair given Domínguez's involvement in the case. Araya Zacarías expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that they believe the measure aligns with the role Domínguez played. He added that there is no evidence attributing him to any illegal act as claimed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Constanza Encina, the prosecutor overseeing the investigation, stated that the decision was made considering that the main defendant, Lavín León, also received a reduction in precautionary measures before the Santiago Appeals Court. She noted that the court had already determined the need for caution regarding Lavín, and with the same chamber still in charge, their office did not oppose the request. Encina emphasized that the decision supports the goal of concluding the investigation, issuing charges, and proceeding to judicial action. During the hearing, discussions also focused on extending the investigation period. With three key procedures remaining, the court extended the inquiry by 90 days. This extension reflects the ongoing nature of the probe into alleged fraud against the state, which both Domínguez and Lavín are accused of participating in. Domínguez was formally charged on May 4, marking the start of his preventive detention. His release comes amid broader legal proceedings involving Lavín, who has also been subjected to precautionary measures. The case highlights the complex interplay between legal defenses and prosecutorial strategies in high-profile criminal matters. While Domínguez’s release appears to have been facilitated through negotiation and legal argumentation, the continued investigation underscores the seriousness of the allegations. The legal team for Domínguez has maintained that their client bears no responsibility for any wrongdoing attributed to him. Their position contrasts with the public prosecutor’s stance, which continues to pursue charges against both men. As the investigation extends, the legal landscape surrounding this case remains fluid, with outcomes yet to be fully determined. The court’s decision to extend the inquiry suggests that further developments are anticipated in the coming months.