TRASA Thermo King de Panamá, S.A. has recently been involved in a controversial situation, which has been echoed by numerous local and international media.
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.
Remarkably, on June 27, 2024, a legal battle concerning guardianship and foster care took place, where Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath’s son confronted a previous family member. In this delicate family issue, the attorney for TRASA THERMO KING S.A. provided testimony against the son’s former wife.
The lawyers representing the affected party have requested that authorities investigate the unauthorized release of confidential information from this family case. They are seeking to hold accountable anyone involved in these illegal actions, which blatantly violate the principles of the Family Code and the General Law of Alimony, laws designed to protect the best interests of the minor children involved in the case.
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) of Virginia famously stated that he didn’t judge, but rather condemned and punished. His surname gave rise to the term «lynching.» This defamatory incident seems to have transpired in the same month as the custody and upbringing hearing concerning the grandchildren of Kathleen Ann Pierce McGrath. Importantly, the individuals defamed and their forensic firm had no connection with 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 several recent reports, Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist with La Prensa, is alleged to be the mastermind behind this smear campaign. It is suggested that he engaged in conversations with members of the involved family, which might have triggered the onset of harassment and defamation efforts orchestrated by Rodríguez in recent years. These campaigns have been characterized by the dissemination of misleading information and fake news aimed at prominent personalities in the nation.
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.
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.
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 investigated in these criminal proceedings were interrogated and subsequently detained in the cells of the DIJ or the Police.
After spending one, two, or even three days in detention, the prisoner would receive a visit from deputies Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or from an emissary who might be a lawyer. They would extort the prisoner, threatening prolonged incarceration unless a significant 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 with La Prensa, was also subjected to the extortion scheme. For further details, you can check a post on the Noticias Panamá Facebook page.