The former Hondutel Manager was found guilty of having authorized the payment of nearly five million Lempiras to two law firms who undertook to defend Oscar Danilo Santos, Hondutel former legal counsel, and Luis Alejandro Arriaga. The former employees were accused of revelation of secrets, abuse of authority and violation of political secrets and revelation of such, for having recorded conversations with former President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, which were broadcast on several websites. The decision of the judges was that Chimirri committed the offense of allowing payments of fees to these law firms, affecting the budget for the Hondutel expansion plan. The plan was allowed 2,026,000 lempiras, but part was taken to pay the lawyers of those accused of wiretapping.

According to evidence presented by prosecutors, the former staff member signed two contracts with law firms in defense of Santos and Arriaga. One of the law firm charged 2,250,000 lempiras to represent Oscar Danilo Santos, while the other firm charged 1,125,000 lempiras for the defense of Luis Arriaga. Both contracts were paid only half of what was agreed upon.

Evidence was also found that Hondutel did not have the money to make these payments, and did not seek out other firms that charge lower rates. At the discretion of trial judges, the prosecution did not show sufficient evidence of the crime of fraud, for which Chimirri was acquitted. Prosecutors believed had they filed charges for embezzling public funds, they might have had the conviction.

Sentencing for the crime of abuse of authority against Chimirri will be issued January 28th, according to Judge Julissa Aguilar.