Embattled Sinaloa, Mexico, Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has requested an indefinite leave of absence. This comes a day after he returned to office following a three-month absence due to U.S. drug trafficking charges against him.

Rocha, 77, shared a letter on social media asking for ‘temporary leave of an indefinite nature, for more than 30 days’ from his position as governor. The letter, dated August 22 and stamped received by the Sinaloa State Congress, does not specify when Rocha plans to return or the reasons for his departure.

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Rocha’s request followed his announcement of returning to fulfill the mandate of voters who elected him to serve through October 31, 2027. On Friday, Rocha stated he returned to his responsibilities with a clear conscience and the strength of truth on his side.

During his 112-day absence, Rocha claimed he was available to Mexican authorities investigating ‘false accusations’ by the U.S. government. He personally met with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and answered questions from investigators. Rocha maintained that the investigation produced no evidence of wrongdoing and accused political opponents of trying to damage both Mexico’s sovereignty and the left-wing movement he represents.

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Rocha declared himself innocent of the allegations against him. However, his return did not receive support from Mexico’s ruling Morena party or President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. Morena expressed no prior knowledge of Rocha’s decision and distanced itself from his return, according to Reuters. Mexico’s Interior Ministry stated Rocha’s decision to return was solely his own, with the attorney general’s investigation still ongoing.

Sheinbaum responded with a message emphasizing the importance of public servants prioritizing the nation’s interests over personal ambitions. She noted that positions are temporary, but responsibility to the nation is eternal.

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In April, U.S. prosecutors charged Rocha and nine other current and former officials with drug trafficking and related weapons offenses. The officials allegedly collaborated with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute significant quantities of narcotics to the U.S. Rocha is the first sitting Mexican governor to face accusations from the U.S., as reported by Reuters.

The case has strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. Sheinbaum has referred to the charges as foreign interference. Mexico insists that Washington has not provided sufficient evidence to warrant Rocha’s arrest or extradition.