Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, Faces Trial for Alleged Embezzlement of Public Funds

The mayor is accused of hiring a woman with whom he maintained an “intimate friendship,” who received salaries without performing official duties

The Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 5 of Estepona has opened an oral trial against the town’s mayor, José María García Urbano (People’s Party), for an alleged crime of embezzlement of public funds. According to Agency EFE, the case centers on the hiring of a woman with whom the mayor had an “intimate friendship,” who allegedly collected public salaries despite having performed no actual work.

Facts That Triggered the Accusation

The court decided to proceed to trial before the Jury Court after conducting pretrial proceedings, in which the woman—formerly married to a local police officer—claimed she was hired by the mayor to a municipal position. She was appointed as a temporary civil servant to an advisory role in the external control department of the Town Hall from February 13 to March 31, 2023, yet no evidence has been found of her performing any duties related to the post.

During that period, she received two net salaries totaling €5,276.92 (€1,634.64 for February and €3,642.28 for March), all funded by public coffers. The examining magistrate considers the allegation “plausible, with the usual reservations at this stage of proceedings,” and believes the facts may constitute a crime of embezzlement of public funds “for now, without prejudice to later qualification.”

The Defense’s Reaction

The mayor’s defense has told EFE that it is convinced the case will not advance, arguing that it is without legal foundation. They plan to file a motion for dismissal and are preparing a counterclaim for false allegations against the two individuals who have lodged complaints in recent months. According to the defense, these legal actions are part of a “political campaign” orchestrated by PSOE and Vox aimed at damaging the mayor’s personal image and political career.

Continuation of the Judicial Procedure

The Court of Estepona has summoned Mayor García Urbano, the prosecutor, and any public accusers for a hearing on June 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The mayor is required to attend with his legal counsel. During this session, the court will outline the details of the impending trial and determine the next steps in the case.

Dismissal of a Previous Case

This is not the first judicial proceeding involving the mayor. In January 2025, the same court dismissed a separate case alleging sexual harassment and coercion of a local police officer and his ex-wife. The embezzlement investigation arose from that earlier complaint, leading to a new line of inquiry focused on the alleged misuse of public funds.

Political Context and Implications

The accusations have once again placed Estepona’s local politics in the spotlight. Mayor García Urbano has been a prominent figure for the People’s Party throughout his tenure, but he has faced persistent criticism from opposition parties. The defense argues that the current charges are part of an electoral strategy by rivals who have repeatedly failed to secure sufficient voter support at the polls.

The case against Mayor García Urbano is now proceeding to trial before a Jury Court, marking a critical moment for Estepona’s political landscape. All parties are preparing for the June hearing, which will set the tone for the trial. The outcome may have significant repercussions ahead of upcoming elections, as the mayor continues to retain substantial backing among local voters.