Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking abruptly resigns a day after returning to office
August 23, 2026 / 8:45 AM EDT / CBS/AFP
TL;DR
- Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya has resigned indefinitely just one day after returning to his position.
- He had initially stepped down in May to face an investigation by Mexican prosecutors.
- Rocha Moya's swift return and subsequent resignation have drawn criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- The U.S. Justice Department charged Rocha Moya in April with drug trafficking and colluding with the Sinaloa Cartel.
- Rocha Moya denies committing any crime and insists on his innocence.
- He faces potential life in prison or a 40-year mandatory minimum sentence if convicted in the U.S.