Suzanne Roig Fuertes, secretary of Puerto Rico's Department of the Family (DF), said Thursday she does not rule out legal action for defamation against Blanca Medina Díaz, the dismissed administrator of the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), over public allegations Medina has made against her. Speaking on WKAQ 580 AM's program "Temprano en la mañana," Roig said she fears for her safety and has changed residences, calling Medina's claims "false" and "defamatory."
She said Medina has threatened to hit her, pull her hair and assault her, and that she has taken security and protection measures, is staying at her parents' home, and has changed her routines along with her family. She said she is not ruling out any civil or criminal action and has blocked Medina from all access to her.
Roig said she has not filed a formal complaint with the Puerto Rico Police, noting, "we are analyzing the situations." Earlier this week, Medina alleged she was pressured to sign a roughly $38 million contract tied to the Star Academy project and federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Roig denied any pressure and said the contract was never formalized.
The allegations were referred to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General for evaluation. Roig added she did not need Medina's signature for that or any other contract.