Lorraine Williamson
The Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, will face a jury trial for alleged embezzlement of public funds following the controversial hiring of a woman with whom he reportedly shared a “close friendship”.
The case was initiated after details surfaced during a separate, now-dismissed, sexual harassment investigation.
From harassment complaint to new charges
As reported by Málaga Hoy, the matter originated from a sexual harassment complaint filed in October 2024 by a local police officer. The complaint was made on behalf of his then-partner, the woman who would later become central to both cases. She testified as a witness in the harassment case and subsequently became the formal complainant. During her testimony, she revealed she had been temporarily employed by the Town Hall, triggering a new line of inquiry.
That harassment case was dropped in January 2025 due to inconsistencies and lack of corroboration. However, the revelation of her employment led to the current investigation, focused on whether García Urbano abused his position to appoint her without any evidence of actual work being carried out.
Allegations of unauthorised public spending
According to court documents, García Urbano appointed the woman as a temporary advisor at the Estepona Town Hall between February and March 2023. During those two months, she received net salaries of €1,634.64 and €3,642.28. The judge found no proof she performed any duties.
The judge ruled the matter has the characteristics of a possible offence under Article 432 bis of the Spanish Penal Code, which covers embezzlement of public funds. If convicted, the mayor could face between six months and three years in prison and a suspension from office for one to four years.
Prosecution supports embezzlement trial of Estepona mayor
The Public Prosecutor’s Office agrees with the court’s assessment. In a report dated 28 April, the prosecutor stated there is strong evidence that García Urbano used his position to appoint the woman without requiring her to perform any actual work.
The case is scheduled for a jury trial. On 4 June, the mayor is expected to appear in court alongside his legal counsel, the public prosecutor, and private accusers to formalise the charges.
Mayor and municipal council deny wrongdoing
The Estepona City Council has announced it will appeal the decision and request the case be dismissed. Municipal sources argue the accusations are politically motivated, attributing them to a campaign by opposition parties PSOE and Vox. The council claims to have submitted documents proving the hiring process was lawful.
In a statement, the mayor’s defence team also indicated they are preparing legal action for alleged false accusations made by the police officer and the woman.
The council further maintains that no evidence of embezzlement has been found, and all employment contracts have followed due process since García Urbano took office. They argue the mayor is the target of a political smear campaign.
Background in Estepona leadership
García Urbano has served as mayor of Estepona since 2011. His administration has overseen various urban development initiatives, and the town was shortlisted for the European City of the Year in Urbanism Award in 2023.
The success of Estepona