Authorities in Chiapas have arrested the interim mayor of Frontera Comalapa, José Antonio Villatoro. Villatoro faces accusations of corruption, forced disappearance, homicide, aggravated extortion and links to organized crime. Two other suspects, identified as Jorge "N" and Juan Manuel "N," were also detained.
Authorities confiscated a vehicle and two loaded rifles during the operation that resulted in Villatoro being transferred to a detention facility to await legal proceedings, according to El Pais. Frontera Comalapa, a town of 80,000 residents near the Guatemalan border, has strategic importance for trade and has been a target for organized crime. Villatoro became interim mayor in October following the kidnapping of the elected mayor, Aníbal Roblero, by criminal groups.
