Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. walked out of prison on August 24 in Mexico after spending six days behind bars. The boxer, son of legendary fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, had been arrested in the US and deported to Mexico, where he was held in the Refresco 11 federal prison in Sonora.
Chavez Jr. faced accusations of links to the Sinaloa Cartel. The specific charge against him was organized crime, involving participation in the clandestine introduction of firearms into Mexico. However, he didn't hold any management, administration, or leadership roles in these activities.
The prosecutor's office had three months to investigate the case. After this period, a judge decided to release Chavez Jr. on probation. His lawyer, Fernando Benitez, explained the situation:
"He does not have an ankle bracelet, the prosecutor's office did not ask for it and I obviously would not do it either and I would not do it for anything"
The judge ruled that Chavez Jr. wasn't a flight risk, and the prosecutor's office couldn't justify the need for pre-trial detention. As a result, he walked free without an ankle monitor.
However, Chavez Jr.'s freedom comes with conditions. He can't leave Mexico without getting permission first. He's not allowed to talk to anyone involved in the investigation. And he must show up on time for all his court hearings.
This case has drawn attention due to Chavez Jr.'s status as a well-known boxer and his family's legacy in the sport. The investigation will continue, but for now, Chavez Jr. will face the legal process from outside prison walls.
