Politics · Mexico · 2 hrs ago
Former Sinaloa prosecutor faces two administrative investigations
Sinaloa’s former deputy prosecutor Dámaso Castro Zaavedra faces two separate administrative investigations by the state prosecutor’s internal control office.
One concerns US allegations that he had links to Los Chapitos, a criminal group; the other concerns his actions in the homicide case of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda.
The investigations began while Castro was still in office and remain active after he formally resigned on November 5.
He had taken unpaid leave in May after the US allegations became public.
US prosecutors have accused Castro and other current and former Sinaloa officials of helping protect Los Chapitos; the allegations against Castro include taking monthly payments and giving warnings about police operations.
The state investigations are administrative, not criminal, and Mexico’s federal prosecutor’s office is handling the criminal investigation.
Sinaloa’s internal control office is gathering information and federal case records before deciding whether to issue a ruling, but officials have not said what outcome is possible now that Castro has left his post.
Former Sinaloa deputy prosecutor Dámaso Castro Zaavedra faces two active administrative investigations, the state attorney general said.
The investigations concern US allegations of links to Los Chapitos and Castro Zaavedra’s handling of the homicide case of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda.
The proceedings began while Castro Zaavedra was still working for the institution and remain active after his resignation.
Sinaloa Attorney General Claudia Zulema Sánchez Kondo said the state’s internal control body is handling administrative matters, while Mexico’s federal attorney general is handling criminal investigations.
The internal control body is gathering information and copies of federal case files before issuing a decision.
- Who
- Dámaso Castro Zaavedra, former deputy prosecutor of Sinaloa.
- What
- He faces two active administrative investigations, concerning US allegations of links to Los Chapitos and his handling of the Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda homicide case.
- When
- The investigations began while he was still in office. He resigned on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Why
- The investigations concern US allegations about links to Los Chapitos and Castro Zaavedra’s actions in the Cuén homicide case.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Southern District of New York brought a formal accusation against 10 current and former Sinaloa officials over alleged links to a protection network for Los Chapitos.
Castro Zaavedra requested unpaid leave after the US allegations became public.
Castro Zaavedra formally resigned after his leave period expired.
Sánchez Kondo confirmed that two administrative investigations against Castro Zaavedra remained active.
- Investigations
- Two active administrative proceedings
- Subject
- Dámaso Castro Zaavedra, former Sinaloa deputy prosecutor
- First issue
- US allegations of links to Los Chapitos
- Second issue
- His handling of the Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda homicide case
- Resignation
- November 5, 2026
- Investigating body
- Internal Control Body of the Sinaloa Attorney General’s Office
What people are saying
There are two separate investigations
As far as the Internal Control Body is concerned, it is entirely administrative. The criminal investigation is being handled by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic