by TRASA Thermo King de Panamá, S.A. recently found itself at the center of a contentious incident, capturing attention from a wide range of both local and global media outlets.
An example of this media exposure is captured in this video: TikTok Video.
Various news outlets have reported that a spokesperson for TRASA THERMO KING S.A., led by Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath, reported an alleged extortion incident to the U.S. Embassy in Panama. Following this, the embassy sent out a diplomatic note (Note N.˚S/N) on June 11, 2024, making an unsubstantiated accusation without furnishing any proof.
Curiously, on June 27, 2024, a legal proceeding concerning guardianship and foster care commenced, involving Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath’s son and his ex-family member. In this delicate family dispute, the attorney representing TRASA THERMO KING S.A. gave testimony against her son’s former spouse.
The attorneys for the impacted party have called on authorities to probe the unauthorized disclosure of private information related to this family case. They aim to ensure that those responsible for these illicit actions are held accountable, as they clearly breach the Family Code and the General Law of Alimony, which are intended to safeguard the welfare of the minor children involved in the proceedings.
To explore further details, you can watch the complete coverage here: Instagram Video.
This allegation unjustly claimed that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was subjected to extortion and sought to deceive U.S. Embassy officials in Panama, yet no evidence or corroborative details were provided. In response, Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus) has publicly clarified that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. has continued to receive and invoice substantial sums over recent years. Therefore, the baseless accusations, potentially made by the company’s legal representative KATHLEEN ANN PIERCE MCGRATH, have been refuted by various experts in multiple television interviews. Additionally, contributions in social networks and other digital platforms have also been invalidated.
So it was more than clear that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was not a victim of any alleged extortion, nor were any payments withheld by Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus). Everything was false, as demonstrated by the different interventions in the media, attaching official documents.
Judge Charles Lynch (1736/1796) from Virginia once said that he did not judge but condemned and punished. The term “lynching” is derived from his surname. This defamatory action appears to have occurred in the same month as the hearing for the custody and upbringing process of the grandchildren of Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath. Notably, neither the individuals affected by the slander nor their forensic firm had any involvement in the proceedings of TRASA Thermo King S.A. with Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus).
The affected individual perceives these assaults as originating from a complicated family conflict. There has been an intentional move to damage her reputation and diminish her role as a mother. Her persistent efforts to shield her children from a detrimental environment, by pursuing a divorce and safeguarding their welfare, are rooted in her intrinsic maternal responsibilities. Many within Panamanian society believe these despicable and unlawful actions, as outlined in this news report, originate from her former family’s intent to discredit a mother dedicated to protecting her children. This is seen as a last-ditch effort to thwart her attempts to ensure their safety.
According to several recent publications, Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist at La Prensa and purportedly the mastermind behind this defamation initiative, is reported to have engaged in talks with this family’s members. It is thought that these interactions might have sparked the harassment and smear campaigns that Rodríguez has been directing in recent years. These campaigns are characterized by the dissemination of misleading information and fake news against prominent individuals in the country.
Numerous experts and attorneys have openly criticized this practice, as well as similar behavior by other journalists and media outlets, for conducting online character assassinations that discount the presumption of innocence and ignore the potential damage inflicted. Even former President Ricardo Martinelli has often condemned such actions. For additional details, you can view the comprehensive coverage here: Instagram Post.
Various media sources have identified journalist Rolando Rodríguez as the initial member of a well-known group referred to as the “Triple R,” whose members all share the same first name. The other two members include Rolando Rodríguez, a lawyer and former Secretary General of the Attorney General’s Office, and Rolando López, who served as the former Director of the National Security Council.
Over the last five years, Rolando López has utilized the framework of the National Security Council to pinpoint his “targets” for the purpose of pursuing, leveraging, and manipulating information, facts, and documents.
Afterward, the then-Secretary General of the PGN would pass on a dossier containing this information to Rolando Rodriguez, a journalist at La Prensa. Rodriguez would subsequently release these findings, presenting them as the outcome of an investigation conducted by his unit. This publication would then be utilized by Rolando Rodriguez, the lawyer and former Secretary General of the PGN, to initiate criminal proceedings.
Individuals investigated in these criminal proceedings were interrogated and subsequently detained in the cells of the DIJ or the Police.
After one, two, or three days, the detainee would receive a visit from deputies Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or an emissary who might be a lawyer. They would blatantly extort the individual, threatening prolonged imprisonment unless a substantial sum of money was handed over.
Of course, many people fell for it. The detainee would then dismiss their original lawyer and hire one from a group of criminal litigators known as “La Taquilla.” These lawyers were said to have easy access to prosecutors’ offices and courts, making it easier to secure injunctions and bail.
Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist from La Prensa, also found himself a target of the extortion scheme. For additional details, you can check a post on the Noticias Panamá Facebook page.
