The mayor of Estepona has appeared before a judge investigating allegations of misconduct and misuse of public funds linked to the alleged irregular hiring of a woman by the town hall.
Jose Maria Garcia Urbano, of the Partido Popular, gave evidence on Friday in a case examining whether a municipal employee was paid from public funds despite allegedly never attending her workplace.
The woman previously told a court, in separate proceedings that were later dismissed, that she received a salary from Estepona Town Hall despite never going to work.
During an earlier court appearance, Garcia Urbano answered questions solely from his own defence lawyer.
He later requested to give a further statement, which took place on Friday.
However, according to Cadena Ser, he again declined to answer questions from the investigating judge, prosecutors or the other parties involved in the case.
Instead, his testimony was limited to questions from his legal team.
Defence insists appointment was lawful
According to the mayor’s lawyer, Garcia Urbano defended the legality of the woman’s appointment and submitted municipal human resources reports detailing the work she allegedly carried out.
His defence argues the position was necessary and that the employee provided genuine services to the town hall.
The mayor also presented witness statements intended to support the claim that the woman carried out work for the council.
Judicial sources told Spanish media that Garcia Urbano submitted notarised statements from two political advisers and a municipal employee describing the woman’s role during her time at the town hall.
Relationship denied
Prosecutors have previously alleged that Garcia Urbano had a personal relationship with the woman, an accusation the mayor has consistently denied.
His legal team also argues that the woman’s original testimony should not be relied upon because, after later being summoned as a suspect, she exercised her legal right to remain silent and did not confirm her earlier witness statement.
The defence maintains the investigation forms part of what it describes as a politically and media-driven campaign against the mayor.
Prosecutors now have 10 days
The investigation is now entering its next stage.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the private prosecution have been given 10 days to decide whether to file formal charges under Spain’s abbreviated criminal procedure.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Garcia Urbano has not been charged or convicted of any offence.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
