Estepona’s Mayor, José María García Urbano, faces serious allegations that could result in significant legal consequences. Prosecutors are pursuing a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence in connection with the alleged embezzlement of public funds involving a ghost employee.
Details of the Charges Against Mayor García Urbano
The prosecution has charged the Mayor with perversion of justice and embezzlement. These charges stem from the recruitment of a woman identified by the initials C.P.B. in 2023. She was contracted as a temporary staff member for the Town Hall’s External Control department, despite claims that she would not perform any work.
Financial Implications
According to the indictment, C.P.B. received €5,276.92 in salary payments during February and March 2023. Prosecutors allege that she appropriated these funds without providing any services, leading to a loss for municipal assets. C.P.B. was officially dismissed on March 31, 2023, after the alleged fraud came to light.
While a cheque for the total amount was submitted to the Town Hall by the defendants, prosecutors assert that there is no evidence the cheque was deposited into the municipal treasury.
Legal Consequences for the Mayor and C.P.B.
- The prosecution seeks a five-and-a-half-year sentence and a ten-year disqualification from holding public office for the Mayor.
- C.P.B. faces a potential three-and-a-half-year prison sentence and eight-year disqualification.
The PSOE, a political opponent, has filed a private prosecution seeking a four-year sentence for García Urbano, showing the political dimensions of this case.
Defense Claims Against Prosecution
The Mayor’s legal team has strongly contested the allegations. They describe the prosecution’s request as “legal nonsense based on a false statement.” They argue that the case relies on a witness whose previous statements were proven false in other proceedings.
Additionally, the defense insists that C.P.B.’s testimony should be disregarded because she later became a suspect herself and opted to remain silent during the investigation.
Political and Media Reactions
Supporters of Mayor García Urbano claim the case is part of a politically motivated attack aimed at tarnishing his reputation and career. A spokesperson stated, “This is an inadmissible and unfair political and media campaign.”
In response, the defense has filed an appeal with the Provincial Court, arguing there is insufficient evidence for the charges presented against the Mayor.
