The Panel on the Independent Special Prosecutor (PFEI) decided to archive the matter and not appoint an independent special prosecutor to investigate Women’s Advocate Astrid Piñeiro Vázquez, concluding there was not enough evidence to support a charge of criminally negligent conduct. Sen. Joanne Rodríguez Veve had argued that the Women’s Advocate’s actions may have violated several legal provisions on confidentiality and domestic violence, including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Law for the Prevention of and Intervention in Domestic Violence, the Bill of Rights for Crime Victims and Witnesses, and the Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information Act.
The complaint relates to an alleged case of gender-based violence against the senator. The Panel said: "We recognize and understand the Senator’s concern over the circulation of personal information and the impact she said she experienced. However, such circumstances, even considered together with her objections to the Women’s Advocate’s public statements, do not substitute for the evidence needed to establish sufficient cause to believe she engaged in criminal conduct."
The Panel said the investigation addressed the allegations and exhausted various avenues of corroboration, examining documents, statements from people interviewed, and public statements attributed to Piñeiro Vázquez. According to the Resolution, no sufficient evidence was found that she made the initial disclosure of the information, took part in it, or later revealed protected information. The investigation included interviews with the complainant, a sworn statement, analysis of documents and links provided, interviews with receptionists and investigating agents, review of attendance records and recordings, and verification of vehicle license plates.
The Panel noted that Rodríguez Veve attended interviews, gave a sworn statement, and provided documentation.