Mexican governor facing US corruption charges steps down
Mexican governor Ruben Rocha Moya has taken a temporary leave of absence from his position after being indicted by U.S. authorities on charges of aiding the Sinaloa Cartel. He maintains his innocence and will retain legal immunity while defending himself, as his resignation would not strip him of protected status. The case has sparked political tension in Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum declining to order his arrest pending a domestic investigation.
- ▪Ruben Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa, announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on defending himself against U.S. corruption charges.
- ▪He is accused by New York prosecutors of participating in a yearslong conspiracy to protect the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for bribes and political support.
- ▪Rocha retains immunity from criminal prosecution as an elected official, which can only be removed by Mexico’s Congress.
- ▪President Claudia Sheinbaum has refused to order Rocha’s arrest, citing insufficient evidence, and instead directed Mexico’s attorney-general to investigate.
- ▪The indictment has placed Sheinbaum under pressure from the U.S. to act against cartel-related corruption, despite Rocha being a member of her political party, Morena.
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Mexican governor facing US corruption charges steps downSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxRuben Rocha Moya's leave of absence allows him to step down from his position while retaining his immunity.PHOTO: REUTERSJack NicasPublished May 02, 2026, 04:03 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 04:03 PMMEXICO CITY – Ruben Rocha Moya, the Mexican governor indicted by the United States this week, said pn the night of May 1 that he would temporarily step down from his post, expanding the political fallout from accusations that he aided a powerful drug cartel for years.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.