MEXICO CITY

Mexican prosecutors launched an investigation Monday into a mayor who publicly thanked drug kingpin Nemecio Oseguera Cervantes for giving presents to the town's children on Christmas.

On Dec. 10, Mayor Avila Castrejon thanked the leader of the powerful and violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known as "El Mencho," for distributing Christmas gifts to children in Coalcoman, a small municipality in the coastal state of Michoacan, a hotspot for drug trafficking groups. 

A video showing the mayor’s public expression of gratitude surfaced on social media last week. It included banners thanking Oseguera Cervantes, his sons, and his recently arrested cartel enforcer Armando Gomez Nuñez, known as "Delta 1." 

"The children of Coalcoman thank Mr. Nemesio Oseguera and his sons 2 and 3, Delta 1, for their kind gesture. Thank you for the gifts," read a banner.

During a press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum denounced the mayor's actions and ordered a full investigation into Castrejon and other public officials in Coalcoman, including the town's security chief, for alleged ties to the CJNG. 

"We are against the glorification of these criminal groups," said Sheinbaum.

"An investigation is being conducted regarding the municipal president to determine whether or not she has ties to this criminal group or why this banner was displayed. One cannot judge immediately; there must be an investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office."

Although Castrejon has denied any links to the Jalisco Cartel and questioned the video's authenticity, this is not the first time the mayor has faced accusations of cartel involvement. 

Castrejon is a first cousin to Monica del Carmen Avila, the wife of Armando Gomez "Delta 1" Nuñez, a senior cartel figure who was mentioned in the banner. Both Nunez and his wife were arrested last October.

Castrejon is reportedly under investigation for forced disappearances and has been accused of funneling resources to the Jalisco Cartel before becoming the mayor of Coalcoman.