Posted 4/4/2024, 10:37:18 AM
Former Holyoke Councilor Flees Charges, Defects to Russia
- Former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota defected to Russia, now works for Russian Defense Ministry
- Facing child pornography, forgery, obstruction charges in RI; fled days before trial
- Alleged photos/videos show him signing contract with Russia, participating in Ukraine operations
- Claimed political asylum to avoid charges
- RI authorities acknowledge he either fled abroad or invented story to evade charges