Wilson da Rosawho served as director of Promotion and Development of the Municipality of Cerro Largo, was recently sentenced by the Uruguayan Justice as a result of a continued crime of especially aggravated smuggling.
After the court ruling that sentenced to 16 months in prisonwhose penalty will be replaced by a regime of probationDa Rosa turned to social networks, specifically his Facebook account, to express his feelings and reflections regarding this situation.
In his broadcast, Da Rosa defined himself as “just another convict,” while recalling how in the past he had been “very critical of convicted people.” This self-criticism seems to have emerged after his own experience with justice. During his speech, Da Rosa also mentioned his admiration by political figures such as Nayib Bukelepresident of El Salvador, and the Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Pou. Surprisingly, he also expressed his desire to continue admiring the president-elect, Yamandu Orsi.
Da Rosa acknowledged the crime committed and stressed the importance of repairing the damage caused to society. He indicated that, after leaving politics, his interest is to work on initiatives that contribute to the community, referring to his actions as a social actor since his adolescence.
Da Rosa extended an invitation to society, including politicians and journalists, to unite around an event called “half a solidarity tank” which will be done weekly. This initiative aims to promote solidarity actions within the community.
In his statement, he also made reference to what he described as the “sensational” treatment of his case by some media. Although he accepts his mistakes, he insists on moving forward and fulfilling the obligations imposed. Finally, he reiterated his invitation to collaborate with the community project he promotes.
The case of William da Rosa
Wilson Rosa, former mayor of Tupambaé and former director of Promotion and Development of the Municipality of Cerro Largo, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for alcohol smuggling. This sentence was handed down after an agreement between his defense and the Prosecutor’s Office, which led to a reduction of his sentence. The court replaced prison with a probation regime, under which he must serve nightly house arrest for four months, perform monthly community work and report weekly to the police authority.
Da Rosa, linked to the National Party and with a notable second place in the recent internal electionssees his political career compromised due to the conviction. He was arrested while transporting cases of beer and whiskey illegally brought into the country. Prosecutor Letizia Siqueira presented evidence about Da Rosa’s participation in a smuggling scheme, including the organization of events to facilitate the sale of these drinks.
Investigations revealed that the former municipal director was involved in hiring canteens for popular festivals, where smuggled drinks were sold as if they had entered legally. The seizure of his mobile phone showed communications that corroborate his participation in the alcohol trafficking network. Two other individuals related to the case, one of them with a police record, also received five-month sentences, with sentences commuted to probation, reflecting a trend in judicial decisions in similar situations.
