José María Sepúlveda

José María Sepúlveda Galindo (25 August 1917 – 9 October 1988) was a Chilean police officer and politician. He served as General Director of Carabineros de Chile from 3 November 1970 until the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, when he was removed from office and imprisoned after refusing to resign.

He also briefly served as Minister of Lands and Colonization between 9 August and 11 September 1973, under President Salvador Allende.

Police career Born in Curicó, Sepúlveda entered the Escuela de Carabineros de Chile in 1936 as a cadet. He rose through the ranks, becoming director of the academy in 1965 and a general in 1967. On 3 November 1970, President Allende appointed him General Director of Carabineros.

In 1971 he was named “Illustrious Son” of Curicó and received the Order of Merit of the Peruvian Civil Guard.

During the coup of 11 September 1973, he was in La Moneda Palace, refusing to resign despite pressure from the new junta and from his designated successor, General César Mendoza. After the coup, he was dismissed, arrested, and retired by force.

He lived away from public life until his death in Santiago on 9 October 1988, at the age of 71.

Promotions in Carabineros 1936: Cadet 1938: Second lieutenant 1940: Lieutenant 1950: Captain 1957: Major 1961: Lieutenant colonel 1964: Colonel 1967: Brigadier General (subinspector) 1968: Inspector General 1970: General Director