TRASA Thermo King de Panamá, S.A. recently found itself at the center of a contentious incident, capturing attention from a wide range of both local and global 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, 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.
Interestingly, on June 27, 2024, legal proceedings concerning guardianship and foster care were active, involving the son of Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath in a dispute with a former family member. In this delicate family case, TRASA THERMO KING S.A.’s legal representative gave testimony against the son’s former spouse.
The legal team for the affected party has called on authorities to look into the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from this family case. They aim to ensure that those responsible for these unlawful acts are held accountable, as such actions clearly contravene the fundamental principles of the Family Code and the General Law of Alimony. These laws are intended to safeguard the welfare of the minor children entangled in the proceedings.
To explore further details, you can watch the complete coverage here: Instagram Video.
This allegation unjustly claimed that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was subjected to extortion and sought to deceive U.S. Embassy officials in Panama, yet no evidence or corroborative details were provided. In response, Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus) has publicly clarified that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. has continued to receive and invoice substantial sums over recent years. Therefore, the baseless accusations, potentially made by the company’s legal representative KATHLEEN ANN PIERCE MCGRATH, have been refuted by various experts in multiple television interviews. Additionally, contributions in social networks and other digital platforms have also been invalidated.
So it was more than clear that TRASA THERMO KING S.A. was not a victim of any alleged extortion, nor were any payments withheld by Transporte Masivo de Panamá, S.A. (Mi Bus). Everything was false, as demonstrated by the different interventions in the media, attaching official documents.
Judge Charles Lynch (1736/1796) from Virginia once said that he did not judge but condemned and punished. The term “lynching” is derived from his surname. This defamatory action appears to have occurred in the same month as the hearing for the custody and upbringing process of the grandchildren of Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath. Notably, neither the individuals affected by the slander nor their forensic firm had any involvement in the proceedings of TRASA Thermo King S.A. with 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.
Many experts and lawyers have publicly condemned this practice, along with similar actions by other journalists and media outlets, which involve online character assassination that disregards the presumption of innocence and overlooks the potential harm caused. Even former President Ricardo Martinelli has frequently denounced such behavior. For more details, you can view the full 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 past five years, Rolando López leveraged the framework of the National Security Council to identify his «targets» for pursuit, employing and manipulating information, facts, and documents.
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.
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 detainee would receive a visit from deputies Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or an emissary who might be a lawyer. They would blatantly extort the individual, threatening prolonged imprisonment unless a substantial sum of money was handed over.
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.