Angélica Pacheco, a councilwoman from Hialeah, was arrested on Thursday and appeared in a federal court in Miami facing charges of healthcare fraud in the United States. Elected in November 2023, Pacheco pleaded not guilty during her appearance.
At 37 years old, Pacheco manages a primary care and drug rehabilitation clinic called Pacheco Medical Center in Hialeah alongside her husband, Daniel Pacheco. The Pacheco family received $500,000 from the federal Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic for their four businesses.
On Wednesday, the councilwoman posted a message on her social media, seemingly referring to her imminent arrest and blaming the Hialeah administration for "anything that may happen to me." She acknowledged the federal charges and accused Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo of being behind them.
The federal charges against Angélica Pacheco could lead to her removal from office. Governor Ron DeSantis has previously suspended local elected officials accused of similar crimes. Hialeah statutes allow the Council to appoint someone to fill the vacant position.
The federal accusations could trigger immediate consequences, according to former Miami-Dade mayor and political analyst Alex Penelas. In the event of a suspension, the council would have 30 days to appoint a replacement. If they fail to do so, a special election would be called. Penelas also explained that if Pacheco is acquitted, she could return to her position until November 2027, even if an interim person is elected.
Mayor Esteban Bovo described Pacheco's arrest as "a very sad chapter for the residents of our city." He emphasized that the federal accusation is not related to municipal functions and expressed his commitment to continue working to improve the quality of life in the city.
"This is a very sad chapter for the residents of Hialeah. This is a federal accusation that is not linked to the city's functions. This situation is highly embarrassing, but it will not deter us from our work to enhance the quality of life and provide better services," concluded Mayor Bovo.
Key Details on Angélica Pacheco's Arrest and Charges
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the arrest of Angélica Pacheco, the Hialeah councilwoman, and the implications of her federal charges.
What charges is Angélica Pacheco facing?
Angélica Pacheco is facing charges of healthcare fraud in the United States.
How might these charges affect her position as a councilwoman?
The charges could lead to her removal from office. The Council may appoint someone to fill the vacant position, or a special election may be called if no appointment is made within 30 days.
What did Angélica Pacheco say about her arrest?
Pacheco posted on social media blaming the Hialeah administration and Mayor Esteban Bovo for her situation, acknowledging the federal charges.
What has Mayor Esteban Bovo said about the arrest?
Mayor Bovo described the arrest as a sad chapter for Hialeah residents but emphasized that it is not related to the city's functions. He committed to continuing efforts to improve the city's quality of life and services.