Judge defends house arrest ruling for reputed kingpin

Santo Domingo.- National District judge Pilar Rufino on Wednesdayrebuffed criticism of her ruling of house arrest against Pascual CorderoMartinez (El Chino), citing health issues of the accused,

The 4th Panel Court presiding judge said Corderowas on the loose in the case she heard, but should now comply with housearrest.

She noted that the reputed drug kingpin is currently under pretrialdetention in a jail in Higuey.

Rufino said the ruling ordering house arrest was handeddown given Cordero’s health issues, so he can receive medical attention

The judge added that the bond set when Cordero was orderedto stand trial could have been upheld, but the court opted for house arrest instead.