Justice system ratifies RD$500 million seizure measures against businessmen in the Jet Set case
The First Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeals of the National District has issued a forceful ruling confirming the measures of conservatory, retentive, and provisional judicial mortgage attachment for a value of RD$500 million on the assets of businessmen Antonio and Maribel Espaillat. This resolution is part of the judicial process investigating the responsibilities following the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Doris Josefina Pujols Ortiz and Judge Daisy Indhira Montás Pimentel, dismissed the appeal filed by the defendants, who sought to reverse the asset restrictions imposed on their holdings. With this decision, the justice system maintains the economic shield ordered to ensure potential compensation resulting from the tragedy.
Judicial process details
The Jet Set case is remembered as one of the tragedies with the highest death toll in the country’s recent history, with a toll of 236 people deceased and more than 80 injured. The continuation of this process seeks to clarify the causes and determine the criminal and civil responsibilities of those involved.
The ratification of these precautionary measures for RD$500 million reaffirms the judicial system’s commitment to protecting victims’ rights and seeking justice in a case of great social impact.
Considerations regarding the court
During the deliberation in chambers, Magistrate Rafael Báez García was also present. However, the final document did not include his signature because the judge was on vacation at the time the judgment was signed.
The defense for the businessmen, composed of a legal team led by Miguel Valerio, Ramón Emilio Núñez Núñez, Carlos Alberto Polanco Rodríguez, Bernardo Elías Almonte Checo, and Francisco Moita Pacheco, failed to convince the Court of Appeals of the need to lift the seizures, so the asset-related measures remain unchanged while the trial on the merits continues.
