Governor withdraws Parra’s appointment as justice secretary

Janet Parra Mercado

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has officially withdrawn the nomination of Janet Parra Mercado for the position of secretary of justice.

“Unfortunately, I learned about the Senate president’s [Thomas Rivera Schatz] comments regarding Ms. Parra’s confirmation through his social media accounts,” the governor said. “I would have preferred to communicate directly and without intermediaries about his position, but everyone has their own style.

In light of this, the nominee has asked me to withdraw her nomination. Puerto Rico has lost an exceptional resource, and I extend my gratitude to Ms. Parra for her willingness to accept this challenge and for facing unwarranted attacks and an unjust confirmation process.”

González Colón added that “[a]s governor and president of the New Progressive Party, I am fully aware that the public expects impeccable responsibility and discipline from me.”

“I will always prioritize the unity of my party and the agenda I promised to the people,” she said. “Nothing and no one will distract me from that mission.”

After expressing regret over not having the necessary votes in the Senate for her confirmation, a tearful Parra told Teleonce in an interview that she had been “judged lightly” regarding the actions of her former chief security guard, who had questioned in the Legislature those opposing her appointment. She emphasized that she was not given a fair opportunity to defend herself.

The controversies surrounding Parra stem from her attempt to represent two individuals associated with the criminal organization led by Delwin Berríos Navarro, also known as Tun Tun, in mid-2022 -- only weeks after she resigned from her position as a prosecutor.

Additionally, during the Senate investigations, a member of the designated secretary’s security detail, identified as Agent Abiel Soto Méndez, approached the Capitol superintendent. He sought to determine who had informed Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz about Parra’s possible conflict of interest. As a result, the security guard was removed from his position and is currently under investigation by the Department of Public Safety and the Police Bureau.