‘Mamá’ Rosa Verduzco Freed: Gran Familia Leader Let Go Due To Lack of Evidence In Child Abuse Scandal

Mama Rosa, founder of La Gran Familia hostel, was released from custody on Saturday. She had been held by the Attorney General's Office since last week following complaints of ill-treatment by shelter workers. Rosa Verduzco, known as Mama Rosa, remains in a hospital due to health problems. The 85 year old woman gave a statement on Friday and Saturday, according to information from the PGR.

The federal agency could not immediately confirm the information on the release of Verduzco, whose status, along with four more employees, had been as witnesses - reports are suggesting that the PGR did not have enough evidence to convict Verduzco. Roberto Verduzco Diaz, a nephew of Mama Rosa, said the release of her aunt is "unconditional", with no legal process set to begin for now. There were over 500 people living in apparent squalor under her care.

Mama Rosa has headed the hostel La Gran Familia Zamora, Michoacán, since the 60s. In a letter released to the media, writers and academics highlighted the "life of service" that Verduzco has led for 66 years, and regretted police and media operation that was headed against the institution. The PGR did a search on Tuesday at the lodge following the request of the governor of Michoacan, Guerrero Jara Salvado, because they received more than 50 complaints about deprivation of liberty.