The Council of the Judiciary today accused the federal judge of San Isidro, Martín Poderti, of alleged misconduct due to the disappearance of 144 gold coins under his custody when he served as a secretary in the same court. According to the administrative investigation, Poderti was the only official with access to the Banco Nación safety deposit box where the coins were kept, and he possessed both keys needed to open it. It was verified that he entered the storage at least 19 times without leaving a record, even during leave periods. The bank audit determined that the box showed no signs of forced or fraudulent entry, which reinforced the hypothesis that the theft was committed without external intervention. In his defense, the judge admitted to entering the safety deposit box but denied stealing the coins. He stated that he voluntarily handed over the keys and was unaware of the shortfall. The defense argued that the incidents occurred before his appointment as a judge and therefore he should not be tried now. It also argued that Poderti's assets show no signs of enrichment and, therefore, he did not obtain any personal benefit. The Council must now decide whether the lack of custody and control of judicial assets constitutes a case of serious enough misconduct for his removal, even if the criminal process has not concluded. The prosecution stated that the evidence is "direct and conclusive", as the combination of exclusive access, lack of records, and the shortfall constitutes a "breach of public trust" and demonstrates the "loss of fitness" necessary to remain in office. The defense also claimed that the court had control deficiencies and that the disappearance could have been carried out by third parties. The judge also claimed to have been the target of media attacks and affirmed that his judicial career was "always impeccable".
