Overview

• The convictions cover homicide, mistreatment of minors, breach of duties and abuse of authority over the March 8, 2017, fire at the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home near Guatemala City
• Former Social Welfare Secretary Carlos Rodas received the longest prison term of 25 years while ex-police officer Lucinda Marroquín was sentenced to 13 years for failing to unlock the padlocked classroom as flames spread
• All six convicted defendants maintain their innocence and prosecutors had originally sought sentences of up to 131 years for some officials
• The court declined to rule on charges against a former Children’s Prosecutor due to lack of jurisdiction and acquitted a separate child protection prosecutor during the same proceedings
• Judge Cifuentes ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales over his decision to assign police to the shelter where uncharged minors were detained