Mexican judge accused of taking bribe to free ex-Olympian’s drug ring deputy

The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a news conference, May 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) The U.S. Department of Justice logo … more >

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By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times - Thursday, November 5, 2026

A Mexican judge accused of taking a $2 million bribe to release a top lieutenant of a former Olympic snowboarder was arrested, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday.

Luis Benitez Alcantara was arrested Sunday in Colombia on a nine-count federal indictment charging him with granting bond to and ordering the release of Canadian drug trafficker Andrew Clark, who was second-in-command to a former Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding.

Mr. Wedding was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. He was taken into custody in Mexico City in January to face federal charges, including running a continuing criminal enterprise, drug conspiracy and multiple counts of murder.

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He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody awaiting trial.

The Canadian participated in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and, according to the DOJ, led one of the “biggest, most notorious, and violent transnational criminal organizations.”

Mr. Clark was also charged in the original indictment with running a continuing criminal enterprise, murder and conspiring to possess, distribute and export cocaine. He was arrested in October 2024 in Mexico and is in U.S. custody awaiting trial.

Judge Benitez used his official position to unlawfully secure Mr. Clark’s release, according to the second superseding indictment, letting him evade lawful detention.

Approximately $2.75 million was transferred through intermediaries to secure Mr. Clark’s release from Mexican custody.

In return for the $2 million bribe payment, Judge Benitez issued rulings that directly facilitated the release from custody of Mr. Clark, according to the Justice Department.

The same day he received the full $2 million bribe payment, he granted Mr. Clark bond and ordered him released. Mr. Clark was rearrested days later and removed to the U.S., where the criminal case against him remains pending.

Judge Benitez is charged with nine counts of being an accessory after the fact. The U.S. will request his extradition from Colombia, the Justice Department said.