judicial

Pili may not face charges

A technicality may mean the escaped bank robber won’t be prosecuted.

Despite being the subject of a high-profile manhunt that included being listed as one of Panama's "most wanted" fugitives, Abilio González may not face charges related to his escape from custody.

González, also known as Pili, was captured Monday after spending 18 days on the run.

But prosecutors may not be able to charge the fugitive with escaping from custody because of a legal technicality.

Prosecutor Luis Martínez said that since González escaped without using any form of violence, he may not have committed a crime. The notorious bank robber escaped while being treated for a medical condition at Hospital Santo Tomas.

A person who escapes from custody can face between six months and a year in prison. But the country's penal code specifies that the penalty only applies to a prisoner "who escapes through intimidation or violence."

Commenting on the circumstances of the fugitive's capture, Martínez said that the fugitive was staying at an apartment owned by Eric Distancia, a former member of the Policía Técnica Judicial who was dismissed because of drug-related charges.

Two unregistered guns, ammunition and a bulletproof vest were found in the apartment.