The public prosecutor’s office is pursuing a nearly two-year prison sentence for Estepona’s mayor, José María García Urbano, from the Popular Party (PP), on charges of embezzlement and perverting the course of justice. These allegations are linked to the appointment of C.P.B., a woman with whom he had a romantic involvement, to a position at the town hall, despite her not fulfilling any work obligations.

Documents reviewed by SUR indicate that the prosecutor is requesting a sentence of one year and eleven months, along with a five-year and eleven-month disqualification from holding public office or running for election. This is a reduction from previous suggestions made during the initial stages of the trial, which sought five and a half years in prison and a ten-year ban on holding any public office. This change occurred after the mayor successfully appealed to have his case heard by a professional court rather than a jury.

According to the prosecutor’s submission, García Urbano reimbursed the town hall with €5,276.92, which was the net salary paid to C.P.B., along with an additional €2,589.97 for his social security contributions. These payments were described as settling all expenses related to C.P.B.’s questionable employment.

The prosecution also alleges that the mayor knowingly appointed C.P.B. to a non-functional role, which harmed municipal resources. C.P.B. is regarded as a co-conspirator in this case, with the prosecutor seeking a sentence of four years and six months for her.

The PSOE party, acting as a private prosecutor, is advocating for a harsher penalty of five years and six months for García Urbano, alongside a ten-year disqualification from public office, and two years’ imprisonment for C.P.B. with a six-year ban on public duties.

García Urbano’s defense team has stated their intent to appeal, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of wrongdoing, citing municipal reports and witness accounts that confirm the legitimacy of C.P.B.’s role and attendance at the town hall. They maintain that the legal proceedings are unfounded and expect to clear the mayor of all accusations.