Judge indicts former Argentine president in corruption case

FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2015 file photo, Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez pushes her hair back after unveiling a bust of her late husband, and former president, Nestor Kirchner, at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An Argentine judge indicted Fernandez on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in a corruption case involving public works. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File) FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2015 file photo, Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez pushes her hair back after unveiling a bust of her late husband, and former president, Nestor Kirchner, at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An Argentine judge indicted Fernandez on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in a corruption case involving public works. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File)

By Associated Press December 27, 2016 1 min read

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez was indicted Tuesday in a corruption case involving public works.

Federal Judge Julian Ercolini approved charges of illicit association and fraudulent administration against Fernandez, and two former aides: ex-Planning Minister Julio de Vido and former Public Works Secretary Jose Lopez.

Also named was businessman Lazaro Baez, whose Austral Construcciones company allegedly benefited from irregular contracts.

The judge’s order froze the equivalent of up to $633 million of each defendant’s assets, though it was not clear they have that much.

The ruling published by official Center of Judicial Information said the defendants are accused of associating to illegally take public fund meant for public works between May 2003 and December 2015.