Juliana Guerrero Admits to Presenting Fake University Degrees in Petro Government

Juliana Guerrero, a former associate and close political ally of the late Colombian President Gustavo Petro, has admitted to presenting fabricated university degrees to secure positions in his administration, adding a significant twist to a scandal that had been ongoing for over a year. The admission was made in a pretrial agreement with Colombia's Attorney General's Office on September 9, 2026, where she confessed to committing procedural fraud and providing false information in official documents.

The revelation came as she was anticipated to face formal charges for the irregularities involving academic degrees from the Fundacion Universitaria San Jose. If convicted, she could face a sentence of approximately 36 months, although the final ruling is left to a judge.

The scandal erupted in 2025 when Guerrero was under consideration for the post of Vice Minister of Youth within the Petro government. Positions in the government required verified academic credentials, but discrepancies surfaced regarding the qualifications listed on her resume. Investigations discovered inconsistencies related to two degrees she claimed to have earned from the Fundacion Universitaria San Jose, indicating she had not completed the required academic standards or passed the mandatory Saber Pro examination.

The case deepened when it emerged that Guerrero had initially listed a technical qualification from SENA, Colombia's national vocational training program, before later claiming to have obtained a professional degree. These discrepancies led to a criminal probe.

Petro publicly backed Guerrero throughout the controversy, defending her in May 2026. He argued that there was insufficient evidence to confirm she had never studied at the Fundacion Universitaria San Jose, citing threats against her and her family. Despite these challenges, Guerrero retained significant influence within government circles.

She had served in the Presidency's Transparency Secretariat and later held roles in the Interior Ministry, where she became closely associated with Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. Her bid for the Vice Minister of Youth position ultimately failed due to the mounting controversy over her qualifications.

The latest admission alters the legal landscape of the case, shifting it from mere allegations to an admitted offense. In her appearance before the court, Guerrero expressed remorse and accepted liability under the terms of the agreement. Prosecutors contended that Guerrero utilized the information in official government systems, including SIGEP II, Colombia's public-sector information and employment management system, and submitted paperwork to governmental bodies while pursuing roles for which the qualifications were essential.

The investigation has also prompted questions about the legitimacy of the institution that issued the disputed credentials. Colombian officials and investigators have demanded an examination of the Fundacion Universitaria San Jose following allegations that other individuals linked to the Petro administration may have obtained irregular degrees from the same institution.

Reports suggest that investigators have probed at least 24 government contractors who allegedly received irregular academic credentials from the institution. Consequently, the case has evolved into a broader examination of how Colombia validates academic credentials for individuals entering public office. For Guerrero, the immediate concern is now judicial, as her admission marks a notable shift from her previous stance of contesting the charges.

The scandal also casts a politically charged shadow over the Petro administration, raising questions about how a young political figure with limited professional experience swiftly ascended through government ranks, became a potential vice minister, and maintained influence despite growing concerns about her academic background.