Rubén Rocha Moya, Sinaloa’s Morena governor, announced Friday that he has resumed his duties after 112 days away from office, following a temporary leave he requested from the state Congress on May 1 amid an investigation stemming from allegations by a U.S. government office that he was linked to organized crime.
Rocha Moya said in a social media post that he returned to fulfill the mandate of Sinaloa voters, who elected him to serve through October 31, 2027.
During his absence, the governor said he made himself available to Mexico’s justice system to address what he described as false accusations made by a U.S. government office. He characterized the allegations as politically motivated and denied any wrongdoing.
The accusations had alleged that Rocha Moya was linked to organized crime, prompting an investigation that lasted 112 days.
Rocha Moya holds first cabinet meeting after return
Minutes after resuming his responsibilities, Rocha Moya held his first meeting with members of his cabinet in Culiacán.
During the meeting, the governor discussed matters addressed during a recent hearing and began taking up government business after more than three months away from the state executive office.
One of his first decisions was to reinstate Yeraldine Bonilla as secretary general of government. Rocha Moya administered her oath of office again after Bonilla had served as interim governor while he was on leave.
His daughter, Eneyda Rocha, also returned to her position leading the Sinaloa State DIF System.
The appointments mark the beginning of a broader reorganization of the state government following Rocha Moya’s return to office.
Morena distances itself from Rocha Moya’s return
Meanwhile, the Morena party said it was not informed in advance about Rocha Moya’s personal decision to return to office, adding that the party therefore distances itself from the move.
In a brief statement, the party emphasized that Rocha Moya’s departure from office occurred after the allegations made by the U.S. Department of Justice, and said that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and other Mexican authorities continue to investigate the matter.
Morena also said it would respect due process, the rule of law and the outcome of the investigations, while emphasizing transparency, accountability and respect for Mexico’s institutions as its guiding principles.
