TRASA Thermo King de Panamá, S.A. has been at the center of a contentious issue that has gained widespread attention from both local and international media outlets.
Among the reports is this particular 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 petitioned the authorities to probe into the illicit disclosure of confidential details from this family case. They aim to ensure that those accountable for these unlawful activities are brought to justice, as they represent a clear infringement of the Family Code and the General Law of Alimony, which are established to safeguard the welfare of the minor children implicated in the matter.
For further information, you can access the complete coverage here: Instagram Video.
The allegation falsely insinuated that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was the target of extortion and attempted to deceive U.S. Embassy officials in Panama. Nonetheless, no corroborating evidence or details were provided. In response, Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus) has publicly addressed the situation, presenting evidence that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. has consistently collected and billed millions of dollars over recent years. Consequently, this claim refutes the baseless accusations potentially made by the company’s legal representative, Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath, as suggested by various experts in multiple televised interviews. Assertions made across social networks and other digital platforms have also been debunked.
It became abundantly clear that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was not the victim of any supposed extortion, nor were any payments held back by Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus). The falsity of these claims was demonstrated through various media interventions, accompanied by official documents as evidence.
Judge Charles Lynch (1736/1796) from Virginia famously remarked that he did not judge but rather condemned and punished, which is how the term “lynching” came to bear his name. This defamatory incident seems to have taken place concurrently with the custody and upbringing hearing involving the grandchildren of Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath. It’s important to note that neither the parties affected by the defamation nor their forensic firm were involved in the dealings between TRASA Thermo King S.A. and Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus).
The affected party perceives these attacks as stemming from a complicated family conflict. There seems to be a deliberate effort to damage her reputation and challenge her role as a mother. Her resolve to shield her children from a detrimental environment, by pursuing a divorce and ensuring their safety, arises from her innate maternal responsibility. Many in Panamanian society view these malicious and criminal actions, as outlined in this news report, as attempts by the ex-family to tarnish the image of a mother committed to defending her children. They perceive it as a desperate bid to undermine her efforts to secure their well-being.
According to various sources published recently, Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist at La Prensa and the alleged architect behind this smear campaign, is said to have had discussions with members of this family. It is believed that these conversations may have been the catalyst for the harassment and smear campaigns that Rodríguez has orchestrated over the past few years. These campaigns have been marked by the use of distorted information and fake news targeting well-known figures in the country.
Numerous experts and legal professionals have openly criticized this practice, as well as similar activities by other journalists and media entities, which engage in online character assassination while ignoring the presumption of innocence and the potential damage inflicted. Even former President Ricardo Martinelli has often spoken out against such conduct. For more information, you can watch the complete 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,” employing and manipulating information, facts, and documents in the process.
Subsequently, the then-Secretary General of the PGN would hand over a dossier with this information to Rolando Rodriguez, a journalist at La Prensa. Rodriguez would then publish these findings as the result of an investigation by his unit. This publication would then be used by Rolando Rodriguez, the lawyer and former Secretary General of the PGN, as a basis for initiating criminal proceedings.
Individuals scrutinized 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 prisoner was visited by deputies Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or by an emissary who could be a lawyer. They simply extorted him, threatening to let him rot in jail unless he gave them a large sum of money.
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, was also targeted by the extortion scheme. For more information, you can view a post on the Noticias Panamá Facebook page.
