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.
A particular example of this coverage is showcased 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, notified the U.S. Embassy in Panama about an alleged extortion incident. Following this, on June 11, 2024, the embassy issued a diplomatic note (Note N.˚S/N), erroneously accusing an individual of the crime without substantiating the claim with evidence.
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 accusation misleadingly alleged that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was targeted by extortionists and attempted to deceive U.S. Embassy officials in Panama, yet it lacked any supporting evidence. Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus) has publicly reacted, revealing that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. has continued to generate and invoice millions of dollars in recent years. Consequently, the baseless allegations, which were possibly made by the legal representative of TRASA THERMO KING S.A., KATHLEEN ANN PIERCE MCGRATH, have been refuted by several professionals during various television interviews. Contributions on social media and other digital platforms also countered these claims.
It became abundantly clear that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was not subjected to any alleged extortion, nor did Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus) withhold any payments. The entire narrative was proven to be false, as evidenced by various media interventions that included official documentation.
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 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 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 attorneys have openly criticized this practice, as well as similar actions carried out by other journalists and media entities, which involve online character assassinations that ignore 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 view the complete coverage here: Instagram Post.
Other media sources have pinpointed journalist Rolando Rodríguez as the initial member of an infamous group called the “Triple R,” whose members all share the same first name. The other two individuals in this group were Rolando Rodríguez, a lawyer and former Secretary General of the Attorney General’s Office, and Rolando López, the former Director of the National Security Council.
In the past five years, Rolando López used the structure of the National Security Council to identify his “targets” to pursue, use and manipulate information, facts, and documents.
Following this, the then Secretary General of the PGN would transfer a dossier containing this information to Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist at La Prensa. Rodríguez would subsequently present these findings as the outcome of an investigation by his team. This publication would then serve as the foundation for Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer and former Secretary General of the PGN, to commence criminal proceedings.
Those investigated in these criminal proceedings were questioned and then held 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 with La Prensa, was also subjected to the extortion scheme. For further details, you can check a post on the Noticias Panamá Facebook page.